State And Federal Aid Surpasses $30 Million For Spring Disasters
Release Date: June 26, 2002
Release Number: 1411-55
» More Information on Virginia Severe Storms and Tornado
Wise, VA -
- Virginia received two federal disaster declarations this spring.
The first covers nine counties and one city for flooding that occurred
from March 17-20. The second declaration covers 13 counties and two
independent cities for tornadoes and flooding from April 28-May 3.
- All areas were designated for the Individual Assistance Program,
which aids individuals, while some were also designated for Public Assistance,
which provides funding to jurisdictions to repair public infrastructure.
- Individuals may apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free
registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585
for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The lines are open from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- For the March disaster, 1954 residents in the declared localities
registered for disaster assistance. The registration deadline has passed
for the March disaster. For the April-May disaster 1472 have registered.
The deadline to register is July 5 for the April-May disaster.
- Combining assistance for both disasters, more than $3.92 million
has been approved for individuals to assist with temporary housing and
minor home repairs.
- For both disasters, state officials have approved more than $1.61
million in funds for Individual and Family Grant (IFG) assistance. IFG
may be used to cover disaster-related expenses, such as essential home
repairs, replacement of personal property, transportation, and necessary
expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.
- The FEMA Public Assistance Program has obligated more than $11.2
million for repairs to public infrastructure, which includes funds for
debris removal and the repair of roads, bridges, public buildings and
utilities. This figure includes both disasters.
- FEMA is providing Virginia more than $3 million for the Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program. This program, managed by the state, provides funding
for projects that can limit damages caused by future disasters.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than
$4.09 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans. This figure
includes both disasters.
- A total of $6.5 million in assistance has gone to pay for direct
mission assignments to other federal agencies. The majority of these
funds went to the Corps of Engineers for debris removal.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been available through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) for those who lost income because of the disaster, including farmers, farm workers, and other self-employed persons. The deadline for filing an application with VEC is July 25 for residents of Halifax, Pittsylvania, Prince George, Scott, and Wise counties and the independent City of Emporia. For residents of other declared counties, the application deadlines have passed.
Virginia Disaster Statistics
March Flooding
(Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and
Wythe counties and the city of Norton)
| Registrations | 1954 |
| Disaster Housing ($ Approved) | $1,947,231.48 |
| Public Assistance ($ Obligated) | $6,241,049.01 |
| IFG ($ Approved) | $817,938.00 |
| SBA loans ($ Approved) | $1,801,800.00 |
April-May Flooding/Tornadoes
(Bedford, Buchanan, Campbell, Cumberland, Greensville, Halifax, Pittsylvania,
Prince Edward, Prince George, Shenandoah, Scott, Tazewell and Wise counties
and the cities of Bedford and Emporia.)
| Registrations | 1472 |
| Disaster Housing ($ Approved) | $1,978,001.30 |
| Public Assistance ($ Obligated) | $5,140,145.29 |
| IFG ($ Approved) | $796,464.00 |
| SBA loans ($ Approved) | $2,292,300.00 |
| Deadline to register for disaster assistance | July 5 |
| Deadline for Disaster Unemployment (for selected counties only) |
July 25 |
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 15:47:41