FEMA denies request for help for tornado damage in Virginia. Governor McDonnell considers appealing the decision.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2011
Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Email: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Contact: Bob Spieldenner
Phone: 804-484-4201
Email: Bob.Spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov
FEMA Denies Federal Disaster Assistance for Virginia Tornado Damage
~Governor McDonnell considers appealing decision~
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for federal disaster assistance for those affected by the April tornadoes.
Governor Bob McDonnell requested federal disaster assistance for the counties of Halifax, Pulaski and Washington. Also, the governor requested FEMA include April 8-28 as one incident period so other localities, such as Gloucester and Middlesex, could be added later.
Virginia was struck by 29 tornadoes in April, killing ten and destroying an estimated 212 homes and damaging 1,050.
"We are very disappointed that FEMA did not grant disaster assistance for Virginians still working to recover from the tornadoes," said Governor McDonnell. "We are examining the possibility of appealing the decision, but in the mean time, state resources will continue to support the efforts of local governments and volunteer organizations that are helping our citizens recover.
“I want to thank local elected officials, state legislators and especially our congressional members for their strong, unwavering, bipartisan support of our request,� he added.
In addition, FEMA denied Virginia’s request for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds for government projects that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.
