Rhode Island Delegation requests Federal Emergency Declaration for RI as Winter Storm approaches

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- U.S. Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse alongside U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline have urged President Biden to make federal assistance available to Rhode Island due to the winter storm approaching.

The assistance would help Rhode Island through emergency operations and potential recovery due to the blizzard.

As reported, the storm is expected to bring 18-to-24 inches of snow on Saturday with winds of 55 miles per hours blasting through Southern New England.

The full letter can be read below:

January 28, 2022

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The National Weather Service expects a strong winter storm will impact Rhode Island between January 28 and 29. Rhode Island is expected to experience significant snowfall and winds up to 55 miles per hour, which could lead to significant power outages, coastal flooding, and hazardous travel conditions.

Because of the potentially severe impacts to the state, we urge you to promptly approve any request for federal assistance, including a request for an emergency declaration under section 501 of the Stafford Act.

Thank you for your attention to this request.