(Warwick, R.I.) - In an effort to prevent and reduce crime across the state, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced that cities and towns throughout the state will receive $9.4 million in federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

State law enforcement officials will receive $5.7 million in federally provided funds and cities and town police departments will receive $3.7 million in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds which are appropriated by the U.S. Congress. These federal funds can be used for a variety of programs, including: drug task forces, prosecution, and crime prevention.

“This is a federal investment in our communities to fight crime and keep our neighborhoods safe, and during these tough economic times, we can also expect that this federal aid may help local police departments avoid layoffs and even hire new personnel,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).
 
“This is badly-needed support for Rhode Island police departments struggling to find the resources to protect our communities during tough times,” said Whitehouse, a former U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for Rhode Island. “After President Bush tried over and over again to cut funding for state and local law enforcement, it’s good to have new leaders with new priorities.”
 
“This funding will help local communities deal with their serious budget challenges. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day, and it is critical that agencies have the resources needed to carry out their charge to protect and serve,” said Kennedy.

“When budgets get tight, frustrations rise. In difficult economic times we come to rely more on our law enforcement agencies,” said Langevin. “This recovery bill funding is key to ensuring that Rhode Island law enforcement agencies can remain properly staffed and fund essential programs to keep our communities safe.”
 
Rhode Island is also slated to receive $965,065 in federal funding to prevent violence against women, $755,000 for crime victims compensation and assistance, and $403,670 for targeting Internet crimes against children.  The federal aid will be distributed by the Rhode Island Justice Commission.
 
The following cities and towns will receive the funding:

 BRISTOL: $31,208
 BURRILLVILLE: $20,464
 CENTRAL FALLS: $168,829
 COVENTRY: $50,649
 CRANSTON: $197,991
 CUMBERLAND: $38,370
 EAST GREENWICH: $10,744
 EAST PROVIDENCE: $95,158
 HOPKINTON: $11,767
 JOHNSTON: $52,184
 LINCOLN: $37,859
 MIDDLETOWN: $21,487
 NARRAGANSETT: $16,883
 NEWPORT: $179,061
 NORTH KINGSTOWN: $40,928
 NORTH PROVIDENCE: $58,834
 NORTH SMITHFIELD: $11,255
 PAWTUCKET: $390,865
 PORTSMOUTH: $17,395
 PROVIDENCE: $1,615,134
 SMITHFIELD: $22,511
 SOUTH KINGSTOWN: $30,185
 TIVERTON: $15,348
 WARREN: $31,719
 WARWICK: $182,643
 WEST WARWICK: $95,158
 WESTERLY: $43,998
 WOONSOCKET: $254,779
   
 Local total: $3,743,406

 State of Rhode Island: $5,721,268
   
 Grand total for Rhode Island: $9,464,674

-30-