(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced four separate grants that the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) has awarded to entities in the State of Rhode Island to strengthen port security efforts.  The funding was made available under the Fiscal Year 2004 Port Security Grant Program.

  Rhode Island Fast Ferry has been selected to receive $135,954 for ferry terminal and vessel security improvements.  Sprague Energy Corporation will use their $61,287 federal grant for security efforts at the Providence facility.  Univar, USA has been awarded $221,750 for the implementation of increased lighting cameras and fencing.  ProvPort, Inc. will receive $175,000 for the installation of a surveillance system in high-risk areas.

  “These federal grants will enable Rhode Island organizations operating in sensitive areas to strengthen their security infrastructure,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “Every state must be aggressive in shoring up homeland security vulnerabilities, and we can not ignore potential threats at Rhode Island’s commercial waterway access points.  Our greatest weapon against terrorism is preparedness, and thanks to these funds, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Sprague Energy, Univar and ProvPort will have additional resources with which to better secure their facilities.”
 
  According to DHS, the Office of Domestic Preparedness offers financial assistance for the protection and enhanced security of critical infrastructure sites. Funding through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Port Security Grant Program is provided to state and local government entities and to commercial companies to enhance security at selected ports in the country and certain Liberty Shield port areas. Although administered by Office of Domestic Preparedness, the UASI Port Security Grant Program has been coordinated with the Transportation Security Administration.

  The Rhode Island awards were included in the fourth round of the Fiscal Year 2004 Port Security Grant Program which included 120 organizations with 154 projects that will receive over $49 million in federal funds.

  "While these grants will be a significant boost to Rhode Island's port infrastructure, it is critical that Congress and the Administration devote additional resources to port security projects," added Langevin.  "We still face security gaps at ports across the country, and the Coast Guard has estimated that an additional $400 million is needed to implement necessary port security upgrades.  We cannot afford any further delay in getting funds where they are most urgently needed."

-30-