PROVIDENCE, RI – As rain continues to fall after severe flooding across much of the state yesterday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed sent a letter today to the White House requesting that the President “provide any assistance that may be requested by the State in support of its recovery efforts.”

The National Weather Service reported that over a 24 hour span, nearly 11 inches of rain fell on Cranston by early Tuesday, as well as 8.5 inches around Providence, while some other areas of the state got over 6 inches of rain.

With more rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, after heavy downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, closed major roads and highways, flooded streets, and collapsed an unoccupied building, Senator Reed says that while federal, state, and local officials are still working to evaluate the full extent of the damage, that the federal government needs to be ready to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and assist communities with cleanup efforts and rebuilding.

“While we don’t know the extent of the damage, we want the federal government to be ready to support any request from the State to help families, businesses, and communities recover.  Excessive rainfall caused severe flooding, and all levels of government must work together to respond,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Full text of the letter follows:

 

September 6, 2022

 

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House

Washington D.C. 20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

Earlier today, Rhode Island experienced an intense burst of rainfall and damaging flooding, which overwhelmed storm water systems and forced the closure of Interstate 95 and other major thoroughfares and local roadways.  At least one building collapsed in the torrent.

While the full extent of damage will not be known until the water subsides, I urge you to provide any assistance that may be requested by the State in support of its recovery efforts.

Thank you for your assistance and leadership.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jack Reed