Gov. Ralph Northam announced today that Virginia’s request for a federal disaster declaration to address the damage sustained from Tropical Storm Michael and provide additional resources for recovery efforts has been approved by President Trump.
Gov. Northam sent a letter to President Trump on December 5 requesting the declaration after the Commonwealth was impacted with damaging winds, flooding, tornadoes, and landslides from Michael between October 9 and October 16.The President approved the request on December 18.
The governor requested and the President approved Public Assistance Program for the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Campbell, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Halifax, King and Queen, Lunenburg, Montgomery, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Rappahannock, Richmond, and Roanoke, as well as Danville and Galax cities. The Public Assistance Program provides federal assistance to government organizations and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations.
“Tropical Storm Michael severely impacted dozens of localities, causing damage from rains, flooding, and high winds and spawning seven tornadoes that killed seven Virginians, including one first responder,” said Northam. “It is clear the serious nature of these effects require additional federal assistance and I thank the President for approving my request so Virginia communities, families, and businesses can get the resources they need to help with ongoing recovery efforts from this storm.”
In addition, the governor requested and the President approved Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to provide assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property for natural hazards. All areas of the Commonwealth are eligible for assistance under the program.
Last month, Gov. Northam announced that Virginia’s request for financial assistance to citizens impacted by Tropical Storm Michael in the cities of Danville and Salem had been approved, making low-interest federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) available to help residents and business owners rebuild from storm damage.
For more information about the Public Assistance Program visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website.
Information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available here.
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