Disaster declaration approved for R.I. for January blizzard

RHODE ISLAND'S request for a major disaster declaration after the Jan. 26 blizzard has been granted by President Barack Obama. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
RHODE ISLAND'S request for a major disaster declaration after the Jan. 26 blizzard has been granted by President Barack Obama. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

CRANSTON – Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration after the Jan. 26 blizzard has been granted by President Barack Obama.

As a result, federal funding will be made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program to all five Rhode Island counties that incurred preparedness and recovery costs associated with the blizzard.

“The state’s Emergency Management Agency and local leaders worked hard to complete their storm assessments and quickly submit our request for federal assistance to FEMA,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “I am thankful to the White House for processing our request, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and the leadership of the congressional delegation to make this critical support possible. I again want to thank all of the dedicated public safety officials and employees who helped keep our state safe during this challenging winter.”

The declaration enables eligible municipalities, state agencies, tribal communities and certain private nonprofit organizations of all five counties to apply for reimbursements for costs incurred prior to, during and following the storm. Costs include, but are not limited to, storm preparedness, snow removal efforts, personnel overtime costs due to work associated with the storm, repair to storm-damaged buildings and infrastructure, and for projects to mitigate effects for future damage from similar storms.

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Raimondo submitted the request to the White House for a major disaster declaration for all five counties in the state.

The request was based on the joint FEMA and state preliminary damage assessment cost estimates of $4.7 million that were associated with the storm.

“During the blizzard, the state incurred damages due to record snow accumulations, drifting snow and strong winds,” R.I. Emergency Management Agency Director Peter Gaynor said in prepared remarks. “The blizzard conditions posed an imminent threat to public safety, as well as to public and private property, resulting in the need for emergency protective measures statewide. These hazards resulted in high costs to our state and our cities and towns. We are thankful and fortunate that we were able to receive federal assistance.”

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