Officials In Southwest Va. Disappointed By FEMA Denial

The Associated Press

Officials in an area of southwest Virginia hard hit last month by tornadoes say they are disappointed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's request for disaster assistance.

FEMA denied the request Saturday, indicating the damage was not severe enough to qualify for federal assistance. More than two dozen tornadoes hit Virginia in April, killing 10, destroying more than 200 homes and damaging more than 1,000 others.


Gov. Bob McDonnell said he may appeal the decision.


"I think it's going to be devastating to the county," Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman told the Bristol Herald Courier. "I was disappointed certainly. I'm sure a lot of people were counting on federal assistance to provide some help."


Pokey Harris, Washington County's director of emergency management, said officials are taking steps to ensure the recovery process stays on track despite the denial.


"Washington County officials are committed to leaving no stone unturned in seeking assistance for the citizens affected by the tornado," Harris said.


The FEMA assistance was sought for the counties of Halifax, Pulaski and Washington.


Even if federal aid had come through, it would not have completely covered all the damage, said Bob Spieldenner, director of public affairs for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services.


"Even if we had gotten the assistance, it would've taken community help," he said. "It's going to go back to the community and the volunteers working together to rebuild."


He said he, too, expected FEMA assistance. "At this point, we thought we had a pretty good case," he said.

FEMA money would help families and businesses whose property was damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. Several homes that were damaged or destroyed did not have insurance.

If the state appeals, it will require officials to gather new data about the extent of the damage, which could take several weeks, Spieldenner said.


Officials also could apply for loans through the Small Business Administration. But the appeal process has to run out before officials can request that help, he said.


"Apparently, we can spend all sorts of money on many frivolous federal programs, but not for those who are truly in need of disaster relief," said U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. "I urge the governor to appeal this decision so that the people affected by these devastating storms get the support they need to begin rebuilding."

Source; http://hamptonroads.com/node/599056