Virginia Flood Relief Tops $800 Thousand
Release Date: April 17, 2003
Release Number: 1458-13
» More Information on Virginia Severe Winter Storm, Snowfall, Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Mudslides
Lynchburg, VA -- A total of $836,000 in federal and state disaster assistance has been approved, to help Virginia residents and businesses with recovery, in the three weeks since the disaster for severe winter storms and floods was declared.
As of April 17, more than 900 Virginia residents have registered for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-3362. The TTY number for speech or hearing impaired is 1-800-462-7585.
"We are making every effort to help those who sustained damage from the storms and floods that struck the state in February," said Justo Hernandez, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "We would like to get people back on their feet as quickly as possible."
Of the more than $800 thousand approved, 463 checks for a total of $668,000 are being sent to applicants for disaster housing assistance. This amount includes grants for alternate rental housing and money for emergency repairs. SBA has approved more than $168,000 in low interest-disaster loans.
"Meeting the needs of disaster victims is our top priority," said Michael Cline, state coordinating officer for Virginia. "People who suffered damage should know that we are making every effort to get assistance to those affected. Help is on the way."
- To date, 221 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in Grundy, Wise and Salem seeking information about disaster recovery programs. A new center will open in Clintwood on April 21.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available through the Virginia Employment Commission for those who lost income because of the disaster, including: farmers, farm workers, trades people, and other self-employed individuals.
- Public assistance briefings are being conducted for local governments who have requested for assistance from FEMA and the state for reimbursement of costs for emergency snow removal.
- Federal, state and local officials continue to assess damage from these storms in other areas of Virginia and additional aid may be provided if needed.
President Bush, on March 27, declared a major disaster for the severe winter storms and flooding that struck the state on Feb. 15-28. Nine localities were declared for aid to individuals and businesses, making residents and businesses owners eligible for a number of state and federal disaster aid programs. Thirteen localities were declared for reimbursement of emergency snow removal expenses.
Individuals in Buchanan, Dickenson, Montgomery, Russell, Tazewell and Wise counties and the cities of Norton, Roanoke and Salem may be eligible for temporary housing assistance, grants for home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Residents and businesses may also be eligible for low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans.
State agencies and local governments in the following jurisdictions may be eligible for reimbursement of certain costs related to emergency snow removal: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Winchester.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Apr-2003 14:45:19