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Governor Kaine Requests Federal Assistance Due to Recent Weather Events

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today asked President Bush to issue a federal disaster declaration for 13 localities in Virginia affected by heavy rains, mudslides, tornadoes, and flooding from the severe weather the state has experienced since June 23rd.  (See map for details: gif, 111 k)

Based on initial reports from localities, more than 1,600 homes in the Commonwealth have sustained damage, and more than 170 of those homes have been rendered temporarily or permanently uninhabitable. Initial damage assessment reports indicate nearly $13 million in damage to government property. The Commonwealth also estimates $3.2 million in state and local government expenditures for response and recovery activities will be needed in addition to the federal aid that has been requested. 

“State and local officials are continuing to work hard to help individuals, families, businesses and others recover from these storms,” Governor Kaine said. “However, it is clear that, in some areas, the damage is very severe, and I am asking the President to declare a major disaster for the Commonwealth so that Virginians will be entitled to whatever federal assistance might be forthcoming.”

The Governor is requesting:

• Both the Individual Assistance Program and the Public Assistance Program for the counties of Alleghany, Arlington and Fairfax and the independent cities of Alexandria and Salem. 
• The Individual Assistance Program for the counties of Augusta, Botetourt and Montgomery.
• The Public Assistance Program for the counties of Bath, Dickenson, Highland, King George and Rockbridge.

If approved by the President, the Individual Assistance Program would make funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants, low interest loans, unemployment assistance and disaster housing assistance. The Public Assistance Program would make funding available to state and local governments for their emergency response and recovery efforts as well as the repair or replacement of government infrastructure. This includes the clean up and repair of roads and parks.  

Governor Kaine has also requested Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance statewide to help state and local governments reduce the impact of future disasters. All three programs are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia and local governments.

The request for federal assistance comes after Governor Kaine declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth on June 28th due to the severe weather events. 

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