Federal Disaster Assistance Approved To Aid State & Local Governments

Federal Disaster Assistance Approved to Aid State and Local Governments with Recovery Costs from Hurricane Sandy

– Individual Assistance for those in Accomack County Remains under Consideration –

RICHMOND-Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that his request for federal disaster assistance to help local and state governments recover from the impact of Hurricane Sandy has been approved by President Obama. Assistance for individuals in Accomack County also was requested by Governor McDonnell and is still under consideration.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program was approved 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. Additional local governments can be added at a later date if sufficient damage information is collected.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program makes funding available to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as debris removal and related emergency services, as well as the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

"I thank President Obama for his prompt decision to grant federal disaster assistance for local and state governments. This action will go a long way toward reimbursing local governments for their costs," said Governor McDonnell. "I encourage FEMA to take a close look at the situation in Accomack County where a disproportionate number of citizens were affected by Hurricane Sandy and to move to approve individual assistance for them as soon as possible."

Emergency management officials at the state and local levels have been working with volunteer groups to assist people who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners and renters should report damage to their local emergency management officials, who may be aware of volunteer groups in their communities that are actively assisting with clean up and repair efforts.

In addition, Governor McDonnell announced that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was approved for all Virginia localities.

This funding source 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.

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