RI homeowners get $130K in disaster help so far

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The first disaster assistance payments have been approved for property owners in Rhode Island impacted by last month's Superstorm Sandy.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency says more than $130,000 in disaster assistance money has been approved. Some 220 Rhode Islanders have registered for help from FEMA since Sandy's winds and tidal surges flooded coastal communities, downed trees and power lines and damaged homes.

Homeowners affected by Sandy are eligible for up to $30,000 in federal assistance.

FEMA spokeswoman Deanna Frazier says the number of Rhode Islanders seeking assistance is expected to grow now that President Barack Obama has signed disaster declaration requests for the state.