Governor Lincoln Chafee announced today that President Obama has approved Rhode Island's amended request for a disaster declaration and for individual assistance for Newport and Washington Counties.
"I am once again grateful for the President's authorization of assistance that will benefit Rhode Islanders and his commitment to supporting Rhode Island's ongoing recovery efforts," Governor Chafee said.
"All of our field teams and administrative staff have been working very hard," said Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "The cost to repair any storm-related damage had to be documented and calculated. Our goal is to get as much assistance for Rhode Island as possible."
Specifically in this amendment, the Governor requested Individual Assistance (including the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster Legal Service, and Crisis Counseling) and Small Business Administration disaster loans for Newport and Washington Counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will establish Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to facilitate the individual assistance application process. Locations will be posted on RIEMA's website.