(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin today announced $1.2 million in critical infrastructure grants for various agencies in Rhode Island. The Infrastructure Protection Activities (IPA) grant program works to strengthen security at ports and enhance transit, trucking and intercity bus systems.  Funds provided will be used to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. 

“This funding will help support critical efforts already underway in Rhode Island,” said Langevin, a member of the Homeland Security Committee.  “It is always a top priority of mine to make sure Rhode Island has the appropriate resources to be ready for any scenario that may come our way.”

The Department of Homeland Security announced $844 million in grants today across the nation. Fiscal Year 2008 IPA awards represent a 29 percent increase from last year. The funding coming to Rhode Island includes:

• $199, 000 for the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency through the Buffer Zone Protection Program
• $829, 292 for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority through the Transit Security Grant Program
• $56,676 for Sprague Energy through the Port Security Grant Program
• $151,470 for the Quonset Development Corporation through the Port Security Grant Program

According to DHS, IPA grants are awarded based on risk-based funding and commitment to regional planning and security coordination. The department considered the threat, vulnerability and consequences of an attack on critical infrastructure as well as the effectiveness of proposed solutions in making grant determinations.
 
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