Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For Virginia Storm Recovery
Release Date: March 27, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-085
» More Information on Virginia Severe Winter Storm, Snowfall, Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Mudslides
Washington, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid was made available today for Virginia to help people and communities recover from the effects of a severe winter storm and record snowfall that struck the state last month, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and under secretary designee for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from the storm, heavy rain, flooding and mudslides that occurred over the period of February 15-28.
After the President's action, Brown designated the following jurisdictions eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Montgomery, Russell, Tazewell and Wise and the cities of Norton, Roanoke and Salem.
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.
In addition, Brown said funding will be available to pay part of the cost for emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of record and near-record snowfall in the counties of Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Winchester.
Under the declaration, FEMA will reimburse the state and local government agencies in these jurisdictions for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow over a 48-hour period. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response also will be eligible for reimbursement.
Brown said the declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that more jurisdictions and additional forms of aid for state and local government agencies may be designated later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Justo Hernandez of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Hernandez said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Thursday, 27-Mar-2003 15:16:49