« Chow mein sandwiches getting harder to find | Today | Update: Coast Guard halts search for Mass. fishing boat »

February 2, 2007

Providence may seek millions in terrorism aid

PROVIDENCE -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has made cities like Providence eligible for $336 million in aid for the current federal fiscal year by redefining, after lobbying by Rhode Island government leaders, which areas of the nation face a higher threat of terrorism.

Today, providence city officials had a chance to lobby a top government official about why the Providence metropolitan area needs more federal funding. They are considering asking for funding to acquire a large fire boat, to improve local and regional communications systems and to equip and train first responders to emergencies, among other possibilities.

George Foresman, undersecretary for preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security, appeared at a news conference today called by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed outside City Hall to discuss the change in the funding formula that allowed cities to apply for more aid.

The redefinition, announced four weeks ago, means Providence may vie for money with 39 other urban areas, including Boston, Miami, Las Vegas and Seattle.

Among the factors that make Providence stand out, Foresman said, is its population density and the proximity of a liquefied natural gas tank to downtown.

Should Providence apply, it would be doing so on behalf of itself, East Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, North Providence, Johnston, Cranston and Warwick, according to Providence Assistant Fire Chief Michael J. Dillon.

-- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 4:57 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)