Virginia to Appeal Denial of Federal Aid for Ernesto Victims

Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine said his state will appeal a decision by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny individual disaster assistance for Virginians affected by Tropical Depression Ernesto. The storm, which began on August 29th, caused seven deaths and an estimated $118 million in damage, primarily in central and eastern Virginia.

“There are hundreds of Virginians who could use help to clean-up and recover from Ernesto’s damage,” Kaine said. “I will respectfully urge FEMA to reconsider this decision.”

Kaine originally requested the Individual Assistance Program on September 8 for the counties of Accomack, Gloucester, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex and Northumberland, and the cities of Hampton, Newport News and Richmond.

The Individual Assistance Program would make funding available to homeowners and renters in the form of low-interest loans and grants, unemployment assistance, disaster housing assistance, and crisis counseling.

On Sept. 22, FEMA approved the Governor’s request for public assistance for damage to government infrastructure and to property owned by certain private nonprofit organizations for the counties of Accomack, Caroline, Charles City, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York, and the cities of Poquoson and Richmond.

In addition, FEMA approved the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds for government projects that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.

Source: Virginia Governor’s Office