FEMA Reports $10.1 Million in Disaster Aid for Virginians Following Gaston

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that more than $10.1 million in federal disaster aid has been approved to date for government entities to help with cleanup and repairs after Tropical Depression Gaston struck Aug. 30.

“It’s difficult for individuals to recover from a storm, and it’s also difficult for localities,” said Marianne Jackson, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s recovery effort. “This money will help offset the expenses that local governments and the commonwealth incurred during Gaston.”

“FEMA and the state have been partners throughout this recovery,” said Michael Cline, the state coordinating officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “We’re happy that the federal government is making these funds available to the affected cities and counties, and to the state agencies.”

Current federal funding by eligible jurisdiction includes:

$1,949,401 for Chesterfield County
$461,753 for Hanover County
$2,659,731 for Henrico County
$125,291 for the city of Colonial Heights
$3,169,009 for the city of Richmond
$1,816,755 to Commonwealth of Virginia agencies
Officials said approval for additional disaster aid for localities is expected soon.

These grants are in addition to the $12.2 million in federal aid and loans that has been awarded to homeowners, renters and business owners for damages suffered during the storm.

President Bush signed a major disaster declaration on Sept. 3, triggering the approval of federal aid in the aftermath of Gaston. Assistance became available for individuals and businesses in the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, King William, New Kent and Prince George. Assistance was also approved for government entities and certain nonprofit organizations in the cities of Colonial Heights and Richmond, and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, King William and New Kent.

Under the President’s emergency declaration, issued at the request of Gov. Mark Warner, the federal government is reimbursing governments for 75 percent of the total eligible costs. Virginia reimburses localities for at least 10 percent of the total costs.

These funds go to pay for emergency work such as debris removal and response costs, and permanent work to repair damaged public facilities like roads and bridges.