RI to get $6.9M in emergency preparedness funds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is getting $6.9 million in federal funds for emergency preparedness and other crime-fighting initiatives.

The state's congressional delegation says the funding comes from the U.S. Homeland Security Department and the Justice Department.

The money includes $3.2 million in emergency management grants to help the state and localities better prepare for all types of hazards. It also includes $2.8 million in state homeland security program funds, which are designed to help states respond to and recover from emergencies and acts of terrorism.

Another $877,000 will go to state and local criminal justice agencies for training, technology and equipment.

Members of the delegation say the federal funding is critical at a time when state and municipal budgets are stretched thin.