PROVIDENCE, R.I. — September 13, 2012 — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) says the federal government’s disaster declaration for New England fisheries will provide badly needed help to the state’s commercial fishing business, which is facing huge cuts in catch limits for species including cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder.
The declaration, announced on Thursday, opens the door for tens of millions of dollars in relief funds for fishermen, although it does not guarantee it.
Chafee was one of several federal and state authorities to ask the Commerce Department to declare a disaster in the region.
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