(The Center Square) – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the commonwealth has been granted a request for an expedited federal major disaster declaration following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Youngkin says the declaration will provide more support for individuals and local governments impacted by the storm.
The declaration opens the door to federal funds for individuals impacted by the storm in the counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe, and the city of Galax.
FEMA says assistance grants may include temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. In addition, assistance grants can help individuals and business owners recover from the storm’s impact.
The governor underscored the storm’s “severity,” adding that the declaration will aid in a long recovery process.
“This is the most significant disaster in the commonwealth since 2011, and due to the severity and magnitude of the damages, we are thankful that Virginia was able to get this expedited disaster declaration so that we can continue this long process of recovery,” said Youngkin. “This will allow us to get resources to our impacted communities and Virginians as fast as possible. We will continue to work to add jurisdictions as additional assessments occur in impacted areas.”
Youngkin added that the administration will continue efforts to add more jurisdictions but emphasized that federal funding is available for state, tribal and “eligible” local governments, as well as specific nonprofit organizations “on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work.” It includes the counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton and Radford.
“Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth,” according to Biden’s declaration. “Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more areas and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.”
