President Obama has approved a request by the state of Rhode Island to make a federal disaster declaration in Washington, Bristol and Newport counties.

The request was made yesterday by Gov. Lincoln Chafee and supported by the state’s Congressional delegation. Emergency management inspectors have preliminarily assessed damage to public buildings in the three counties at a minimum of $5.5 million.

The declaration allows direct federal aid to go to repairs to public infrastructure. Chafee could also decide to request an expanded declaration qualifying the state for individual assistancel.