WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to better protect Rhode Island's bridges, tunnels, railways, ports and other critical infrastructure, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the state will receive $1,842,470 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Port Security Grant (PSPG), Transit Security Grant, and Buffer Zone Protection Programs (BZPP). Reed stated, "I am pleased that the state has received this funding to protect Rhode Island's critical infrastructure. This money will allow us to make important security improvements to Rhode Island's public transit system and upgrade the state's port security capabilities." Under the PSPG program, the Providence Emergency Management Agency will receive $428,603 for protection at the Port of Providence. The funds will expand the successful Port Area waterside video surveillance system. This system is currently being used by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to monitor the mid to lower Narragansett Bay area. Funding will be used to expand coverage to the upper bay. In February, Reed held a meeting with DHS Under Secretary George Foresman in Providence to discuss the city's homeland security needs, including the Port Area project. Reed also sent a letter in support of the project to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff in March. "This video surveillance system has been a critical part of safeguarding the people of Providence and protecting the port from potential dangers. Expanding it means law enforcement can be aware of threats throughout the Bay," stated Reed. In addition to Providence, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. in Quonset will receive $27,803 under the PSPG program to ensure that passengers are protected. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will also receive $721,367 in funding through the Transit Security Grant program to protect its transit systems. Late last year, Reed sent a letter to the Senate Appropriation Committee's Subcommittee on Homeland Security, requesting that it increase funding for transit security. Reed stated, "Transportation systems are among the most frequently attacked terrorist targets worldwide. It is essential that we do everything we can to strengthen our infrastructure. This federal funding will help protect the thousands of Rhode Islanders who use our transit systems every day." Under the Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP), the state of Rhode Island will also receive $692,500 to protect key critical infrastructure throughout the state. This program provides targeted funding through states to local governments and agencies to purchase equipment to extend the zone of protection beyond the gates of these critical facilities and key infrastructure such as chemical facilities, dams, and nuclear plants. "These federal dollars will go a long way in ensuring that our state is ready for any other threat it may face. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to make sure that Rhode Island continues to receive the funding that it needs to protect all of our citizens," Reed concluded Federal funding for the PSPG, Transit Security, BZPP grant programs is provided through DHS' Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP) which was funded through the fiscal year 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill that Reed supported.