Lee, Bath And Washington Counties Designated For Public Assistance
Release Date: August 20, 2001
Release Number: 1386-21
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Tazewell, VA -- Federal disaster funds have been made available to help local governments in Lee, Bath and Washington counties rebuild public property damaged by the recent floods in Virginia, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the assistance was approved following a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials.
"Public assistance is one of the key components of FEMA's recovery program," Allbaugh said. "We are committed to restoring vital community services as quickly as possible in those areas impacted by the floods."
Affected local governments in the three counties are now eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.
The funds were authorized today under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on July 12, amended August 1, and made available through FEMA's public assistance program for state and local governments. Lee County previously had been authorized to receive Individual Assistance.
Procedures for requesting public assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings to be conducted by state and federal disaster officials at locations to be announced shortly in the county area.
Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2003 16:07:07