Urban redevelopment forum set for Wednesday

The forum offers an opportunity for the development community to learn about new state and local redevelopment tools and review pertinent case studies. Participants also will learn about future development opportunities that will stem from the relocation of Interstate 195.

The luncheon keynote speaker will be Bruce Katz, who directs the Brooking Institution’s Center of Urban and Metropolitan Policy. He is expected to discuss demographic and development trends in Rhode Island within a national context.

Other sponsors include Fannie Mae and the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. Advance registration is open to the public and the deadline is Monday (May 19). The fee is $60 for attendees from the for-profit sector and $30 for non-profits and government representatives.

For further information, visit www.growsmartri.com, or contact Magin Urdanick at Fannie Mae, (401) 276-2116.

R.I. emergency responders get $5.4 million

WASHINGTON – The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will receive $5.4 million in federal funds for equipment and training for emergency responders, Sen. Jack Reed’s office announced earlier this month.

The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, may be used for the purchase of emergency responder equipment and for costs related to planning, conducting and evaluating chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive terrorism exercises.

Reed said that federal support for Rhode Island’s emergency plan and its responders is critical to ensuring that the state is prepared for any disasters. The funding for the program was provided through a congressional appropriation for the Department of Homeland Security.