Virginia Winter Disaster Aid Exceeds $1.1 Million 

Release Date: April 24, 2003
Release Number: 1458-18

» More Information on Virginia Severe Winter Storm, Snowfall, Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Mudslides

Lynchburg, VA -- State and federal disaster officials have approved more than $1.1 million in assistance for Virginia residents and businesses to help them recover from the February winter storms and floods.

As of April 23, more than 1,000 Virginia residents had registered for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). The TTY number for the speech- or hearing-impaired is 1-800-462-7585. FEMA continues to accept registrations.

The aid includes:

A total of 352 people had visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Grundy, Wise, Salem and Clintwood seeking information about disaster recovery programs. The DRCs are scheduled to close Saturday, April 26.

Although the centers are closing, the SBA will conduct disaster recovery loan workshops at the Grundy, Wise and Salem locations. The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance for farmers, farm workers, trades people and other self-employed individuals is available through the Virginia Employment Commission. Federal, state and local officials continue to assess damage from these storms in other areas of Virginia and additional aid may be provided.

President Bush declared a major disaster on March 27 for the severe winter storms and flooding that struck the state on Feb. 15-28. Residents and businesses in nine declared localities are eligible for a number of state and federal disaster assistance 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 such as the Virginia Department of Transportation as well as the following local governments were declared eligible for reimbursement of emergency snow removal costs: the counties of Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Winchester.

Last Modified: Friday, 25-Apr-2003 09:03:13