WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to protect Rhode Islanders and safeguard the state's transportation and infrastructure against terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Rhode Island will receive $1,236,438 in federal funding to strengthen security of rail, ferry, and infrastructure systems and facilities. This federal aid will fund a range of preparedness activities including planning, training, exercises, and equipment purchase.

"It is imperative that Rhode Island's first responders have the training, equipment, and resources they need to prevent and respond to any emergency or natural disaster that may arise. This federal investment will help ensure that our state's transportation systems and infrastructure facilities are secure," said Reed a member of the Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding for DHS programs. "Rhode Island is a safe place, but it is home to a large population and a great deal of infrastructure. This money will go a long way towards strengthening security at our train stations, ports, and other critical sites."

Infrastructure Protection Activities (IPA) grants, administered by the Department of Homeland Securities' (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and systems.

The grants are provided through three different IPA programs:

  • Transit Security Grant Program: $829,292 for Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA)
  • Port Security Grant Program: $208,146
    • $151,470 for Quonset Development Corporation
    • $56,676 for Sprague Energy Corp
  • Buffer Zone Protection Program: $199,000

The Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) supports sustainable, risk-based efforts to protect critical transit infrastructure, particularly against explosives and non-conventional threats that could cause major disruption to commerce and significant loss of life.

The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) supports sustainable, risk-based efforts to enhance access control and credentialing, protect against an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and other non-conventional attacks, and conduct exercises for disaster-response scenarios.

The Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) provides grant funding for security and risk-management capabilities at state and local levels to bolster infrastructure sites, such as chemical facilities, financial institutions, nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums, and other high-risk/high-consequence facilities.