turnto10.com · September 4, 2026
Federal disaster relief denial prompts renewed focus on storm preparedness
# Federal disaster relief denial prompts renewed focus on storm preparedness
by MADDIE HEIMSCH, NBC 10 NEWS
Fri, September 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
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The Trump administration denied Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states with democratic governors federal disaster relief for the blizzard of 2026. (WJAR)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Rhode Island senators secured $6.348 million in federal dollars for upgrades to the Fox Point hurricane barrier in an effort to prepare for severe weather.
It comes after the Trump administration denied Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states with democratic governors federal disaster relief for the blizzard of 2026.
The administration denied Rhode Island’s ask for $19 million in July. The state appealed the decision, only to be denied for a second time Thursday.
“I think it was very punitive on Rhode Island. Those are our tax dollars that we send to Washington when we pay our taxes. Those dollars should be rolling back,” said Gov. Dan McKee.
The Trump administration denied Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states with democratic governors federal disaster relief for the blizzard of 2026. (WJAR)
On social media, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Cameron Hamilton said the agency is a better steward of taxpayer dollars under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
“We have, unfortunately, a president who has decided to play politics with disaster funding, setting a dangerous new precedent,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner, who represents Rhode Island’s 2nd congressional district.
The state did receive disaster relief funding in 2013, 2015 and 2022 for snowstorms, all smaller than the blizzard of 2026.
“It was clear we deserve disaster relief funding,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of the president’s rejection. “He abused his power and said no.”
Leaders said at a press conference Friday the rejection means preparing for natural disaster is more important than ever.
“We’ve got to continue to fight for the federal investments that help communities prepare for extreme weather,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo of Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district. “And make sure that no matter who sits in the White House and what political agenda they have, that we are ready.”'
Rhode Island senators secured $6.348 million in federal dollars for upgrades to the Fox Point hurricane barrier in an effort to prepare for severe weather. (WJAR)
The Narragansett Bay has risen six inches over the last 30 years.
The Fox Point hurricane barrier, originally constructed in the 60s, is meant to protect downtown Providence from extreme flooding in the event of a hurricane.
The state’s democratic delegation said it’s looking to secure federal funding for blizzard relief through legislation.
“We are working on legislation that would release the funding that we deserve and also other states deserve like an appropriations bill or maybe even a national defense act,” said Sen. Reed.
Gov. McKee told NBC 10 on Friday that the state is weighing legal action.