TIVERTON, RI – In an effort to enhance public safety, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Gabe Amo today announced a new federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Grant Program which will enable the town of Tiverton to acquire four new police vehicles.

Tiverton is getting $50,000 to support the purchase of four new, state-of-the-art police cruisers.  In addition to the federal funding, the Town will contribute its own funds toward the purchase of the new vehicles, which will be used by the Town’s police and fire departments and will allow first responders to better ensure continuity of command and communication while responding to emergencies and rendering mutual aid to neighboring communities.

“This is a smart investment that benefits the whole community.  Our police officers go above and beyond to serve and protect. We must provide them with the equipment and training they need.  This federal grant will save local taxpayers, replace older vehicles, and reduce maintenance costs for the town for years to come,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “I salute the leadership of Police Chief Patrick Jones and the Tiverton Town Council.  I’m proud to have supported Tiverton’s application for this funding and look forward to seeing these four new police vehicles put into service.”

“Our police officers put their lives on the line to protect others, and they deserve every available tool to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “This federal funding will allow the Tiverton Police Department to continue updating its cruiser fleet and help keep the community safe.  Well done to Chief Jones and Tiverton officials on securing another round of investment from the USDA’s Community Facilities Grant Program.”

“I am grateful to Senators Reed and Whitehouse for their leadership in securing this sizable federal investment that will benefit residents of Tiverton. First responders who bravely serve our communities need the tools to keep us safe,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Thanks to the federal and local support, we are helping Tiverton upgrade its aging fleet of vehicles. I will continue to work with local leaders like Police Chief Patrick Jones and my colleagues to ensure that our first responders have the resources needed they need.”

With the four new police cruisers, Tiverton continues the ongoing process of replacing its aging fleet. Previously, Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped secure more than $60,000 from the USDA Community Facilities Grant Program in 2019 for Tiverton to purchase three new police cruisers, as well as a new bus for local seniors in need of transportation.

Last year, Senators Reed and Whitehouse successfully delivered $500,000 in federal funds to upgrade Tiverton’s emergency call center and install a new emergency dispatch console.

The USDA Community Facilities Grant Program helps communities in rural areas – those with less than 20,000 residents – develop essential community facilities and services. Funds from the program can be used to purchase equipment for fire departments, police stations, public works departments, and other public safety services.

The purchase of Tiverton’s four new cruisers will help ensure the safety of approximately 15,780 residents living in the town.