“The key to security is ensuring that everyone in the community is able to easily communicate and coordinate with each other in case of an emergency,” said Congressman Langevin, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. “The new Providence EOC will help facilitate this communication and serve as an important nerve center to help city officials, police, and firefighters plan and coordinate the response to a natural disaster or attack.” 

The EOC will be the alternate site for the City’s Communications building in the event the City’s main emergency dispatch operations are compromised or eliminated. This funding will go towards purchasing communications and technological infrastructure including radio equipment, computers, phone systems, GIS mapping capabilities, camera monitoring, and other necessary electronic equipment. 

 “We seen how crucial it is to maintain continuity of communications following a major incident,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Government officials need to have accurate and timely information - and then have the command and control necessary to effectively respond. This federal appropriation, which my colleague Congressman Langevin and I worked to secure, will go to bolstering Providence’s emergency preparedness.  We’ve worked hard to make the case for Providence, the second largest city in New England. I’m happy to report that today, with this federal money, Providence and Rhode Island moves one step closer to safety and preparedness,” added Kennedy.

“When a disaster strikes, the most important actions are the ones that have already been taken. Thanks to the tireless work of Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Langevin, vital resources have been steered to Rhode Island, helping to ensure that our great City and our region are as prepared as they can be,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline.

The City of Providence is renovating space in the current EMA building to house this new center.  Leo Messier, Director of the Providence Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security praised the Congressmen for their assistance with this critical project. “This Homeland Security appropriation will allow our agency to have a coordinated effort with the Police, Fire and other City departments to effectively and efficiently manage an emergency incident or disaster situation that occurs in the City of Providence,” said Messier.

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