PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- President Obama has approved Governor Chafee's request for a declaration that makes Rhode Island eligible for federal disaster assistance to repair damage caused by the fierce blizzard that hit the state on Feb. 8.
Chafee spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger said the declaration means that state agencies, municipalities and non-profit groups throughout the state can apply for financial help in repairing storm-damaged roads and buildings and for projects to mitigate damage from future storms.
Cities and towns in three of the five counties -- Kent, Providence and Washington -- have been cleared as well to seek reimbursement for some of their snow removal costs.
Requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency can be made through forms downloaded from www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2690