FEMA approves funding for Louisa following quake
The Federal Emergency Management Administration has approved federal disaster assistance for individuals and business owners in Louisa County who experienced damage as a result of a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Virginia on Aug. 23 and caused more than 40 aftershocks. Gov. Bob McDonnell had appealed FEMA’s initial decision to deny federal disaster aid to Louisa County. The appeal included a letter from Virginia’s entire congressional delegation supporting the request.
“I thank FEMA and President Obama for their decision to grant federal disaster assistance for the people of Louisa County. I also want to thank Sen. Mark Warner, Sen. Jim Webb, Congressman Eric Cantor and Virginia’s entire congressional delegation for their strong support of our appeal,” McDonnell said.
Since the original request was made Sept. 20, officials have found more extensive damage than what was originally reported in more than 1,400 homes. Some damage that was first categorized as minor has become worse as a result of more than 40 aftershocks.
“Many of our fellow Virginians who call Louisa home are hurting, and this is critically needed aid during a very trying time. The once-in-one hundred year earthquake that struck Virginia in August caused significant damage that was not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Many homes and businesses have been extensively damaged. This assistance is a key resource for families and business owners who have been trying to recover for more than two months,” McDonnell said.
McDonnell requested Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Individual Assistance program provides disaster housing assistance, low interest loans and grants. The Hazard Mitigation program provides funds for projects sponsored by state and local governments that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.
“This is very welcome news for homeowners and business people in Louisa,” Warner said in a statement. “Approval of this federal assistance will provide access to low-interest loans and other aid that can help individuals rebuild and recover from the damage caused by a rare, once-in-a-generation 5.8-magnitude earthquake. Officials in Louisa and Richmond, Gov. McDonnell, and Virginia’s entire U.S. House and Senate delegation worked together to help get this done, and Virginia’s persistent and unified approach produced results. This really is the best news I’ve heard in some time.”
Webb pushes FEMA on Louisa denial
Sen. Jim Webb today asked Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate to explain FEMA’s rationale for refusing to grant a federal disaster declaration to Louisa County following the August 23 earthquake.
“Louisa County has documented close to 1000 damaged homes, including a number of homes that were completely destroyed,” said Webb in a letter to Administrator Fugate. “More troubling, is the fact that the overwhelming majority of residents in this rural community lack adequate earthquake insurance protection, necessitating government assistance in a time of great need.”
The full text of Sen. Webb’s letter below:
Dear Administrator Fugate:
I write to express concern over FEMA’s recent refusal to grant Louisa County a federal disaster declaration following the August 23 earthquake in Virginia.
As you know, the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Louisa County—felt by millions across the east coast—was the strongest quake to hit the Commonwealth in over a hundred years.
Louisa County has documented close to 1000 damaged homes, including a number of homes that were completely destroyed. The quake caused structural damage to churches, schools, and even caused the shutdown of nuclear power stations in North Anna. More troubling, is the fact that the overwhelming majority of residents in this rural community lack adequate earthquake insurance protection, necessitating government assistance in a time of great need.
In order to help this community overcome the devastation caused by the earthquake, I request that you provide my office the following:
1—a detailed rationale for your denial of disaster declaration for Louisa County;
2—your recommendations to the Commonwealth on how to effectively appeal and reverse FEMA’s original decision; and
3—identification of alternative funding mechanisms through FEMA and other federal agencies that can mitigate the disaster impacts on citizens of the Commonwealth.
Given the urgency of this issue to the citizens of Louisa County, I respectfully request that you provide me with a response as soon as possible.
FEMA denies earthquake aid
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for individual assistance to help property owners affected by the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Virginia on Aug. 23. Damage assessments for residential properties are nearly $15 million, mostly in uninsured costs.
“We are very disappointed in FEMA’s decision, and we will immediately appeal,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said today. “Disaster relief and public safety are core functions of the federal government. Unfortunately, volunteer groups are ill-equipped to repair earthquake damage and while state and local officials are doing everything they can, federal assistance is necessary in ensuring that affected Virginians are able to get their homes back in working order and get back on their feet again.”
The Individual Assistance Program would have made funding available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the form of low-interest loans and grants, unemployment assistance, disaster housing assistance and crisis counseling.
Since Aug. 23, local and state emergency officials, the Virginia departments of Fire Programs, Transportation, State Police and other response agencies have worked tirelessly to help residents and governments respond to and recover from the earthquake. Virginia representatives have worked alongside representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to document, report and assess damage in order to make this request for federal disaster assistance for individuals.
“If damage from a once-in-a-generation, 5.8 magnitude earthquake does not qualify for federal disaster relief, then I don’t know what does,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who “fully support(s)” McDonnell’s decision to appeal the FEMA move.
“Members of our staff have been working closely with federal, state and local officials to assess the damage and submit the required documentation, and we will continue to try to be helpful as the Louisa community works to rebound from this event. We also now will work closely with local officials to make sure residents are aware that additional resources, including low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses, may be available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration,” Warner said.
