NEWPORT, RI - In a press conference this afternoon at the Newport Marriott, Governor Raimondo provided an update on National Grid's response to the gas outages in Newport Country. The Governor also shared several new developments regarding relief efforts for those impacted by the outages:
- Governor Raimondo directed DLT Director Scott Jensen to take action to allow Rhode Islanders who have missed work due to the outage to apply for unemployment insurance immediately. DLT has also waived the penalty to employers to ensure that no local employer impacted by the outage sees their unemployment insurance costs increase.
- Personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have arrived in the Emergency Operations Center in Cranston. Additionally, personnel from Massachusetts EMA (MEMA) arrived in Newport this morning. Both FEMA and MEMA are supporting Rhode Island's relief efforts and bringing in additional resources as necessary.
Earlier today, Governor Raimondo announced that RIPTA is now providing free service on Aquidneck Island. National Grid will reimburse RIPTA for these rides. All the services being offered to impacted residents, including meals at the Florence Gray Community Center and service centers at Gurney's and Gaudet Middle School, are accessible on RIPTA.
The Governor and her team will continue to monitor National's Grid's response efforts and provide regular updates to the public.
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