president obama granted governor chafee's request for a federal disaster declaration in four of ourte's five counties. more than 130 rhode islanders lost power, and eight cities and towns were forced to implement evacuations. the whole state will be affected by the as of yet unknown millions in damage and lost business. but rhode island is resilient. some businesses hit hard by sandy and the subsequent nor'easter have already reopened. others are working hard to reopen soon. here we can see the atlantic avenue from the sky, and the owners of paddy's beach restaurant here as well as their neighbors all along the beach are determined to reopen for the summer tourist season. i remember walking through this little notch here with the owners of paddy's and looking at this scene of devastation beside and the owner saying that's not so bad. we can rebuild. we'll be back on our feet in no