Virginia Seeks Additional Funding to Aid Hurricane Victims

Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund to help residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund will cover recovery costs not addressed by federal or private assistance. The proposal requires approval from the Virginia General Assembly and targets communities with significant damage, including Tazewell County. The fund is a crucial step towards supporting ongoing recovery efforts in Virginia.

Virginia officials, led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, are seeking further assistance for residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. The Governor proposed a $127 million investment to create a Disaster Assistance Fund aimed at supporting recovery efforts in underserved areas where federal funds fall short. This initiative is especially necessary following the devastating impacts of the storm, which resulted in power outages for over 310,000 Virginians, damage to 484 roads, and significant agricultural losses estimated at $630 million.

The proposed funding would consist of $25 million from the General Fund and $102 million sourced from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Youngkin’s proposal requires approval from the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly, and he indicated plans to introduce relevant legislation next year to facilitate these critical recoveries.

With Hurricane Helene impacting 36 localities across Southwest Virginia, the creation of the Disaster Assistance Fund is seen as a vital step towards ensuring the Commonwealth can swiftly address the unmet recovery needs within these communities. A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center currently operating in Tazewell County, previously one of the most affected areas, closed shortly before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, neighboring West Virginia has opened both FEMA and SBA Recovery Centers for additional support.

In light of the extensive damage reported, including substantial infrastructure impacts and agricultural distress, the urgency for state-level assistance is paramount. Governor Youngkin underscores the importance of this Fund to aid communities still recovering from this natural disaster. The next steps involve garnering legislative support to launch the initiative effectively.

After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in September 2023, Virginia officials are striving to secure additional resources for affected individuals and communities. The storm left numerous localities significantly damaged, necessitating extensive recovery efforts and financial support. Governor Youngkin’s proposal for a Disaster Assistance Fund aims to bridge the gaps where federal assistance has proven insufficient, particularly in regions that faced overwhelming challenges, such as Tazewell County. Given the circumstances, the establishment of this fund is critical to fostering recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the state.

In conclusion, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposal for a Disaster Assistance Fund represents a proactive approach to aid communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Fund aims to alleviate the significant unmet recovery needs resulting from the storm’s destructive aftermath. With considerable damages reported across numerous localities and urgent legislative action required, the initiative seeks to ensure future resilience against similar natural disasters.

Original Source: www.bdtonline.com