Washington- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today that Rhode Island has received an emergency declaration for the January 22-23 Blizzard of 2005. The declaration means Rhode Island will be eligible for federal funds to help reimburse the state and local communities with the cost of responding to the storm.On January 25, Reed wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary Michael D. Brown requesting the Emergency Declaration. This declaration can help Rhode Islands cities and towns that were overwhelmed by the snow, wind and cold of the record setting blizzard, Reed stated. The storm strained municipal budgets across Rhode Island, forced the closure of airports, businesses and schools, caused power outages and burst water mains throughout the state.Attached is the text of Reeds letter to Secretary Brown:Dear Mr. Brown:I write in support of Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri's request to declare an emergency for all five counties in the State of Rhode Island-- Bristol, Kent, Washington, Newport and Providence-- as a result of the major snowfall and high winds that occurred January 22 through January 23, 2005. As you know, a major snowstorm blanketed the Northeastern United States, including Rhode Island, beginning on January 22 through January 23, 2005. The blizzard produced record or near-record snowfall and windspeeds greater than 55 mph, combining with snow already on the ground to create large snow drifts. According to the National Weather Service, it was the second worst snowstorm to hit the state on record, after the blizzard of 1978, closing T.F. Green Airport, businesses, and schools, and disrupting public transportation. Additionally, the storm caused power outages and burst several water mains throughout the state. In response, Governor Carcieri declared a state of emergency for all of Rhode Island, deploying members of the Rhode Island National Guard and ordered all state and municipal offices closed on Monday, January 24. This was the first emergency declaration for Rhode Island since 1978. Record amounts of snowfall were recorded throughout the state with Providence County recording 23.0 inches, Bristol 21.0, Kent 24.5, Newport 27.0, and Washington 22.0. Prior to the snowstorm, Rhode Island had already received numerous significant snowfalls, which had strained state and local budget resources. State agency resources have been, and will continue to be, committed to assist local government in mitigating hazards posed by the storm. I respectfully request your consideration of an emergency declaration for the state of Rhode Island within all applicable rules and regulations. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any questions or concerns. Warm regards.Sincerely,Jack ReedUnited States Senator