PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to enhance Rhode Island's ability to prepare for and respond to threats or incidents of terrorism, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today brought Homeland Security Undersecretary for Preparedness George Foresman to Providence to meet with Mayor David Cicilline and local first responders. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2005, Foresman is responsible for synchronizing national preparedness efforts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently oversees anti-terrorism grants. "I am pleased Undersecretary Foresman was able to join me in Providence today to get a firsthand look at the city's homeland security initiatives," said Reed. "Providence is a safe place, but it is the second largest city in New England and the population density of this area as well as its critical infrastructure and location on the Eastern seaboard place Providence at a greater risk for terrorism than many other U.S. cities." Last year, Senator Reed worked with officials at DHS to include Providence on the list of eligible urban areas for homeland security funding through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. Last month, DHS announced that Providence is one of 39 urban areas (including Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle) listed as part of Tier II urban areas and is eligible to receive anti-terror grants from a pot of $336 million in UASI funding. "The UASI program can help provide Providence's first responders with extra support and resources to meet the demands of a high-risk metropolitan area. This designation means Providence is eligible for a shot at need-based federal homeland security grants. The money can be applied to planning, equipment, and training to prevent, protect, respond and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters," said Reed. Reed, Cicilline, and Foresman toured Providence's Mobile Command Center and observed a demonstration of its MESH Network Capabilities. The mobile command was purchased in 2001 by the city's police department under a federal Law Enforcement Block Grant. "Mesh Networking" is a communication model that allows for wireless data and voice communications between "nodes." It allows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around broken or blocked paths by "hopping" from node to node until the destination is reached. Reed also pointed out that the UASI designation allows the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to apply for transit security grants for the first time. "Mass-transit is vital to providing mobility for our citizens and driving Rhode Island's economic engine. It is imperative that we improve our transit security, provide our first responders with interoperable communications equipment, and keep the public well-informed in the event of a major emergency," said Reed, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees federal transit programs. "I am working to pass legislation to authorize a transit security program at the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate has passed bipartisan transit security legislation twice, but it has stalled in negotiations with the House. It is my hope that this Congress will finally enact this legislation to protect people who rely on mass-transit."