Published on Monday, August 31, 2026
CRANSTON, RI – August 31, 2026 – Today, Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) interim Director Lynne Corry joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse to announce $1.7 million in federal funding awarded to help RIDOC enhance public safety, modernize transportation resources, and expand workforce development opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
Senators Reed and Whitehouse secured two federal earmarks, including a $1.2 million federal award to replace the Department of Correction’s aging transportation vehicles used throughout RIDOC facilities and a $500,000 federal award to expand Rhode Island Correctional Industries programming that provides incarcerated individuals with job training and marketable skills.
“These federal investments will help the Rhode Island Department of Corrections improve safety, modernize critical operations, and expand opportunities that prepare individuals for successful reentry into our communities,” said RIDOC’s interim Director Lynne Corry. “By upgrading transportation equipment and strengthening workforce training programs, we are supporting both public safety and rehabilitation efforts that benefit all Rhode Islanders. We are fortunate to have the support of the congressional delegation as we work to carry out our mission.”
“This is an important investment in public safety, safe transportation, employment readiness, and helping offenders rehabilitate themselves and gain marketable skills that can help them successfully reintegrate as they return to their communities. When individuals complete their sentences, they have a second chance and the opportunity to earn a living, with purpose and direction, which helps ensure they don’t reoffend. This federal funding provides tools and training to achieve that by supporting quality rehabilitation and work programs inside correctional facilities. And it upgrades DOC’s fleet of vehicles to help save on repair and maintenance costs and avoid costly breakdowns, too,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I was glad to join Senator Reed in delivering these federal resources for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. With this funding, the Department of Corrections will be able to upgrade its transport vehicles and provide more options to help individuals who have served their time re-enter society with the skills to become productive members of the community,” said Senator Whitehouse.
The $1.2 million Replacement of Transportation Vehicles Project is enabling RIDOC to replace aging, outdated transport vehicles used to transport incarcerated individuals to correctional work crews, medical appointments, and emergency room visits. Thirteen new 2025 Ford Explorers equipped with law enforcement packages have been purchased to date. In addition, six specialized transit vans have been ordered as part of the project which will help improve inmate healthcare access. The vehicles are currently deployed throughout the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), including Maximum Security, High Security Center, John J. Moran Medium Security Facility, Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center, Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility, and the Central Office.
The second federal award, totaling $500,000, supports the expansion of Rhode Island Correctional Industries programming. Funding is being used to expand four Correctional Industries shops, including embroidery, metal fabrication, laser engraving, and traffic sign production. This investment will provide enhancements of vocational training opportunities that provide incarcerated individuals with meaningful educational experiences and workforce skills to support successful employment after release.
The Embroidery Shop has already received two new embroidery machines, with one installed at the Medium Security Facility and another at the Women’s Facility. Embroidery program participants learn to use state-of-the-art equipment to produce professional, quality results using computerized, commercial multi-head machines.
Meanwhile, the Metal Fabrication Shop, Laser Engraving Shop, and Traffic Sign Shop have entered the procurement process to support future expansion and increase training opportunities for program participants.
The awards were provided through the U.S. Department of Justice and support RIDOC’s ongoing efforts to improve institutional operations, strengthen public safety, and reduce barriers to successful community reentry.
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