With $500,000 Federal Investment in Public & Marine Safety, Reed Helps Launch South Kingstown’s New EMA Harbor Patrol Vessel

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI - There is a new 600-horsepower state-of-the-art public safety vessel patrolling South Kingstown's pristine waterways and it is fully equipped with the latest emergency response and search and rescue tools and capabilities.

Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined state and local officials and first responders dockside in South Kingstown to officially unveil and launch South Kingstown's newest customized Harbor Patrol vessel.

The new, 27-foot SAFE-manufactured 27 T-Top boat is bigger and better than previous versions and will be used by the Town's emergency management agency (EMA). The new boat is used to help enforce navigation and waterfront laws, promote boater safety, and respond to incidents on the water. The Harbor Patrol is available 24/7 to patrol and respond to emergency calls around Point Judith Pond, a 4-mile-long coastal salt pond/estuary located just outside the southwestern tip of the Bay, and connecting Point Judith Harbor with the waters of Block Island Sound.

The new emergency response boat will also help the town boost collaboration between Harbor Patrol, Police, Fire, EMS, and the U.S. Coast Guard to strengthen public safety and marine safety for residents and visitors alike.

Senator Reed helped deliver $500,000 in federal funds for the new emergency response vessel through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). South Kingstown also contributed around $2,000 to acquire the vessel.

The boat is specially designed for emergency response and search and rescue missions with maximized deck space, a durable aluminum hull, and easy maneuverability.

"This new boat is a terrific community asset. It's a federal investment in public safety and boater safety, in particular. The folks here in South Kingstown do an incredible job keeping people safe on land and in the water. This new boat is a critical tool that will help them respond to all sorts of emergencies, from accidents and distress calls to medical emergencies to chemical spills or other incidents. It can get first responders quickly to the scene to help save lives," said Senator Reed.

"With the christening of this new boat, South Kingstown is upgrading public safety and marine safety and giving our first responders another tool to address a wide range of emergencies both on land and in the water," said Town Manager James Manni. "I want to thank the Town Council for helping to make this happen, and I am grateful for the leadership of Senator Reed in helping to deliver the federal resources to purchase this new vessel and for his steadfast commitment to strengthening public safety and supporting our Town."

One of the reasons this vessel is needed is because as South Kingstown continues to attract more visitors for tourism, recreation, and waterfront commerce, the Harbor Patrol needs additional maritime resources to support the increased boat traffic and enhance public safety on busy waterways.

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