Federal Resources Flow Into The Commonwealth As Recovery Process Gets Underway In Virginia
Release Date: September 21, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-207
Washington, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered almost 150,000 pounds of ice and 28 semi-trailers of water for distribution by the Commonwealth as part of the significant resources deployed to Virginia in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. More resources will be deployed as requested by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"To assist in the recovery from Isabel, FEMA is delivering the material requested by Virginia," said Under Secretary Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "We have already begun providing water and ice to be distributed by the Commonwealth with more to follow."
'Virginia received a major disaster declaration on Sept. 18, 2003, allowing for the release of federal disaster funds and emergency resources.
So far, FEMA has met Virginia's request for water and ice with approximately 142,000 pounds of ice and 28 trucks of water delivered to regional distribution points. The Commonwealth then distributes the water and ice throughout the state. Virginia made additional requests for water and ice for delivery tomorrow and FEMA is working to meet those requests.
Other supplies delivered to or enroute to Virginia:
- One AID Package, which includes 10 trailers with cots and blankets, emergency meals, personal toilet w/ privacy tent kits, personal wash kits, sleeping bags, 6 to 8 person tents, plastic sheeting and roofing, bottled water and mid-range generators;
- One Material Handling Equipment Kit, equipment to unload AID package;
- Four 480 KW generators and one 350 KW generator, all high-end generators that require support from the Army Corps of Engineers;
- One generator pack containing 50 generators, including five 11.5-27 KW generators; 11 30-56 KW generators; 17 60-96 KW generators; 12 100-120 KW generators; five 125 KW generators;
- DFO Kits, equipment and supplies to set up a 500-person Disaster Field Office to benefit disaster victims;
- DISC Packs, technological support for computers, printers and other equipment needed in the DFO.
In addition to emergency aid, Brown said the declaration makes federal funds available for the long-term recovery of hurricane-stricken residents and business owners in the following jurisdictions: the independent cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Emporia, Franklin, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg and the counties of Accomack, Charles City, Gloucester, Greensville, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Additionally, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the 31 designated jurisdictions to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Sunday, 21-Sep-2003 15:53:29