Washington Trust Announces Flood Relief Assistance Programs

Bank Helps Employees, Homeowners, Businesses & Community

Westerly, Rhode Island... Washington Trust today announced the Bank's Flood Relief Assistance Programs to assist those affected by recent storms which caused extensive flooding and power outages in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut last week.

Washington Trust President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph J. MarcAurele stated, "We've met with local officials, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the community and developed specific programs to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors." Adding, "Washington Trust has weathered many storms in our 209+ year history, so we know that when the community joins together, we will get through these difficult times successfully."

Washington Trust's Flood Relief Assistance Programs include:

Community

• Earlier today, Dennis L. Algiere, Washington Trust's Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Community Affairs, announced that The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation made a $15,000 contribution to the United Way of Southeastern New England's "Rhode Island Flood Recovery Fund." In addition to the United Way contribution, Washington Trust has donated $12,000 to local community organizations serving the most critically damaged areas. The Bank has contributed $2,000 to each of the following community groups: the WARM Shelter, the Bradford Jonnycake Center, the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center which serve the southern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut areas; and the West Bay Community Action and Comprehensive Community Action Program, which serve the Cranston, Warwick and Central Rhode Island areas. The Bank has also donated office furniture, equipment, computers, and supplies to local community groups.

Homeowners

• Over the next three months, Washington Trust is offering discounted-rate home equity loan and line of credit financing up to $100,000 for homeowners to replace or repair damage to primary or second residences. No proof of damage is required and expedited financing may be available. Existing Washington Trust automobile and home equity loan customers may chose to "skip one month's payment now" by deferring the payment to the end of the loan period. The Bank also offers a free "Think Local" guide with discounts provided by local contractors and home improvement businesses.

Businesses

• As a Preferred SBA Lender, Washington Trust is working with small businesses affected by the flooding and power outages to assist them with low-interest disaster assistance loans offered through the SBA and FEMA. Bank loan officers are also personally contacting customers to assess and address individual business needs. The Bank offers term loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate, leasing and other financing options for businesses of all types and sizes.

Employees

• Washington Trust introduced a Special Flood Assistance Program to provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to any employee who sustained damage to their residence from the flood. The Bank provided paid time off last week to all employees who were affected by the flood, and is offering an additional 16 hours of paid time off to employees who need to handle clean up, relocation or repairs. Discounted loans rates are also available to employees.

Volunteerism

• Washington Trust's "CARE" volunteer teams are available to assist employees and customers with clean up, repair, or rebuilding projects.

Donations

• Washington Trust is accepting donations for the United Way's "Rhode Island Flood Recovery Fund" through each of the Bank's eighteen branch offices in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut.

For assistance or additional information about Washington Trust's Flood Relief Assistance Programs, call the Bank's Account Information Center toll-free at 1-800-475-2265, visit a branch office, or go online at www.washtrust.com.

The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.9 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, small business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services, through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.