RI Starting To Recover From Historic Floods

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - Small signs of normalcy are returning to flood-soaked Rhode Island but forecasters say the main river causing the problem may not drop below its banks until at least Sunday.

The National Weather Service says the Pawtuxet River in Cranston is expected to drop to minor flood stage by Saturday evening.

The Cranston mayor's office said yesterday that a sewage pump station that had been disabled by flooding is back in full operation.

And flood-weary travelers who struggled through massive traffic jams to get to Rhode Island's major airport are getting some relief with the reopening of a connector road from Interstate 95.

Some of the shellfish beds closed due to sewage overflows are set to reopen Saturday.

President Barack Obama has approved a request to declare the entire state a disaster area eligible for federal assistance.