R.I. disaster declared for April 15 storm

RHODES IN THE PAWTUXET: The river that gave the Cranston banquet hall its name surrounds the facility after the April storm. /
RHODES IN THE PAWTUXET: The river that gave the Cranston banquet hall its name surrounds the facility after the April storm. /

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush has declared that a major disaster exists in Rhode Island in the wake of the April 15 to 16 nor’easter.

He ordered federal aid “to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and inland and coastal flooding,” according to a statement issued tonight by the White House press secretary’s office.

Federal funds will be offered to state and local governments and certain private nonprofits, on a cost-sharing basis, for emergency work in Newport County and the replacement of facilities damaged in the storm, the White House said.

Money also will be available statewide, on the same basis, for hazard-mitigation measures. No individual disaster aid was offered anywhere in the state.

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Additional designations may be made at a later date, if requested by the state and warranted by damage assessments, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison has named Michael J. Parker to serve as the coordinating officer for federal recovery efforts in Rhode Island, the agency said.

Additional information is available by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency at (202) 646-4600 or visiting www.fema.gov.

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