Governor declines East Providence council’s request for a state of emergency

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Just last week East Providence City Council President Bob Rodericks asked Gov. Dan McKee to declare a state of emergency for the city.

On Thursday Rodericks said McKee responded with a no.

“There is a lot of stuff going on and I’d like to see us concentrate on the big problem first,” Rodericks said.

He added he met with McKee face to face to discuss the request alongside East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, the police chief, and the superintendent of schools.

The group laid out a snapshot of what the city is looking at when it comes to troubles from the Washington Bridge.

McKee reiterated that he thought a state of emergency would not help and should be reserved for something more like a natural disaster.

“I did know, going into the meeting that [the state] is agreeing to pay for our bridge related traffic control, they are sending Department of Transportation workers here, we knew that going into it. I want to reiterate that overall it was a good meeting other than that one difference of opinion,” Rodericks said. “I think it would not hurt for a declaration of emergency and the governor says it really does not matter, it would not help. They are already for emergency help in other funding areas.”

For East Providence businesses like The Burrito Bowl, business is down 50 to 60 percent.

The owner of The Burrito Bowl, Edward Thimas said he is afraid to open his new restaurant with the Washington Bridge closure.

“The hope is that everyone can support local and come together and help and we will get through this together,” Thimas said.