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.