After a spate of severe weather swept through Rhode Island earlier this year, President Joe Biden declared the situation a major disaster, unlocking federal funds to aid the storm-battered state. The federal assistance is aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the wake of the storms and flooding that raged from January 9 to January 13, affecting multiple counties, according to the White House release.
As reported by The White House, this declaration specifically brings aid to individuals and businesses in the counties of Kent, Providence, and Washington. Assistance on offer includes, yet is not limited to, grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-interest loans designed to help cover uninsured property losses. This array of support is intended to help those hit hardest by the natural disaster get back on their feet.
In an official statement released on March 20, the administration announced that Mr. Robert V. Fogel of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been named as the Federal coordinating officer for the recovery operations in the affected areas. With local recovery efforts well underway, the addition of federal resources and oversight is expected to significantly bolster the state's response capabilities.
Furthermore, according to a White House release, federal funding will also be made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures across the entire state of Rhode Island. This focus on mitigation signals a proactive approach to staving off the worst of future disasters. Additional support designations may follow, contingent upon the state's request and the findings of ongoing damage assessments.
Residents and business owners seeking more information on the types of aid available or looking to apply for assistance should reach out to local disaster recovery centers or access the FEMA website for guidance.
