Homeland Security chief says she’s considering RI plea for federal aid for flooding

Homeland Security chief mulling RI plea for aid

WARWICK, R.I. — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she’s considering a plea by Rhode Island officials who want more federal aid.

Napolitano got an aerial tour Friday of the damage caused by the worst flooding to hit the state in 200 years. Many of the worst-hit areas are still under water.

Napolitano tells The Associated Press she is encouraged by how well residents are recovering. She calls them tough.

She was accompanied by Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEER’-ee) and members of the state’s congressional delegation, who have asked the federal government to help the economically devastated state pay for its response costs and to fix ruined bridges, roads and sewer systems.