Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance

Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance in Wake of Hurricane Sandy

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today asked for federal disaster assistance to help 28 Virginia communities recover from the affects of Hurricane Sandy, an extremely large storm that brought high winds, heavy rains, coastal erosion and tidal flooding to the eastern portion of the Commonwealth and dropped significant snowfall in the west and southwest. Sandy caused three tragic deaths in Virginia.

The governor requested federal aid through FEMA's Individual Assistance Program for Accomack County. If approved, the Individual Assistance Program makes funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants and low-interest loans as well as disaster housing assistance. The governor also requested disaster unemployment assistance and legal services.

"More than 240 homes were damaged in the Saxis, Sanford and Messongo areas of Accomack County, and most of the damage is not covered by insurance. That is a significant impact to the residents of those communities and federal assistance is critical in helping them recover," said Governor Bob McDonnell.

The governor also requested FEMA's Public Assistance Program for the counties of Accomack, Arlington, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, King and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Mathews, Middlesex, Nelson, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Surry, Warren, and Westmoreland and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church and Manassas.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program would make funding available to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as debris removal and related emergency services. If the governor's request is approved, and if sufficient damage information is collected, then other localities could be added to the declaration.

In addition, Governor McDonnell requested Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all Virginia localities. The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program helps local and state governments take actions to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as elevating homes in flood zones, flood-proofing businesses and other measures.

"Virginia localities, first responders, state agencies, volunteers and our private partners have provided significant resources to aid storm victims throughout Virginia and I praise all of their efforts to help those impacted by the storm," Governor McDonnell said.

"And while media reports have focused on the widespread devastation in New York and New Jersey, thousands of Virginians continue to suffer from storm impacts. They need us to reach out and help. That is why I am challenging individuals and corporations to contribute to storm relief. The Virginia Disaster Relief Fund is a state-managed relief fund to financially help Virginia residents impacted by disasters. Proceeds of the fund are distributed as grants to Local Disaster Recovery Groups. Grants also can be made to charities and faith-based organizations associated with the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

To donate to the fund, please visit https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow."