Reed tours flood damage as Rhode Island braces for next storm

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Sen. Jack Reed joined state and local officials for a look at flood damage from last week’s storm as the state braces for more severe weather.

Reed met with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency as well as community leaders to assess the damage from flooding caused by the storm.

The senator said that the number one priority should be the safety of residents ahead of the next storm while he works to make sure the state receives federal funds if it qualifies.

“We want everyone to be vigilant and stay safe and dry if this next storm hits,” Reed said. “At the federal level, I’ve repeatedly stressed the need to expedite disaster relief funding to those in need and ensure the state has what it needs for disaster recovery.”

Reed added that he is working to secure flood mitigation assistance to prepare for floods made worse by climate change, and that he is encouraging the Senate to take flood issues seriously.