(Warwick, R.I.)–Today, Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially released $450,000 in relief funding in the wake of the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick.

According to the DOJ these grant funds will be used to reimburse state and local agencies of Warwick, West Warwick and Coventry, who were among the first to respond to the ‘The Station’ nightclub fire on February 21, 2003.  They will be reimbursed for regular and overtime pay, police vehicle use, criminal investigation activity, civilian dispatcher activity and forensic toxicology services. 

The funding is anticipated to be prescribed to assist the Rhode Island State Police, the state crime lab, and other local communities in abating the extreme financial hardships they have had to endure as a result of the tragedy that claimed 100 lives.

“The tragedy at the Station Nightclub was easily one of the worst suffered by Rhode Islanders in our collective memory,” said Kennedy.  “We continue to mourn for those who lost their lives and send our best wishes to those who were injured.  Our delegation has worked hard to identify, explore, and secure funding from any potential federal government source that would assist our state as we continue to feel the effects of the fire.  I am glad that our efforts have resulted in some much needed funding that will help our state greatly.  This would not have been possible if it weren't for the hard work and diligence of members in both chambers of Congress.  I would like to especially thank Senator Reed and Congressman Langevin for their efforts.”

Added Langevin, “I am pleased that the federal government has recognized the horrific February fire as an event that devastated the state and left our first responders with minimal resources.  Thanks to the unified efforts of the entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation, we were able to provide federal financial relief for the greatest state tragedy in recent history.  We continue to mourn our neighbor's losses and keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

Those agencies approved for this funding include: Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island Department of Attorney General, Town of West Warwick Police Department, Town of Coventry Police Department and the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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