More aid authorized for RI counties

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- President Barack Obama has approved Rhode Island's request for an amended disaster declaration in Newport and Washington counties, making property owners there eligible for federal assistance if they suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced Wednesday that Obama has authorized individual federal assistance for the two counties. The declaration from the president also authorizes federal assistance for public buildings and infrastructure that was damaged when Sandy knocked out power, damaged homes and flooded coastal areas.

Preliminary damage estimates show that Washington County sustained $4.3 million in damage to roads, bridges and public buildings, Chafee said. Newport had $598,000 in damage, while Bristol had about $283,000.

The declaration means homeowners in the affected counties are eligible to apply for assistance. Small business owners may also request disaster loans.