Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund in response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This fund aims to fill recovery gaps left by federal aid and assist residents with housing and safety needs. The effort requires collaboration with the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, while neighboring West Virginia has also opened recovery centers for affected residents.
Virginia is actively seeking further assistance for its residents affected by the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene. Following the establishment of a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Mercer County, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a proposal for a $127 million investment intended to create a Disaster Assistance Fund within the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This fund aims to address ongoing recovery needs by supplementing federal and private recovery efforts that have not fully met local demands.
Governor Youngkin characterized the proposed fund as a critical measure to provide resources for life, safety, and housing recovery efforts that fall outside the purview of federal disaster assistance, private donations, and insurance. The administration’s plan necessitates collaboration with the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly to enact the necessary legislation for the fund’s implementation, with plans to present this measure next year.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene impacted 36 localities across Southwest Virginia, leading to significant disruption of essential services. Reports indicate that over 310,000 residents lost electricity, 484 roads and 118 bridges were rendered impassable, and approximately 10,000 applications for Individual Assistance were submitted to FEMA. The agriculture sector experienced estimated losses totaling $630 million, affecting nearly 3,700 farms, while tourism, particularly the Virginia Creeper Trail, faced catastrophic harm.
Alongside Virginia’s recovery efforts, neighboring West Virginia has opened a FEMA Recovery Center and a Small Business Administration (SBA) Recovery Center in Mercer County to support local residents. The SBA center is conveniently located in the Princeton Public Library and offers assistance Monday through Saturday. Individuals seeking aid can visit either recovery center for guidance and support as they navigate the rebuilding process.
This article discusses the ongoing recovery efforts in Virginia following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm inflicted considerable damage, particularly in Southwest Virginia, prompting state officials to seek additional funding to support local residents in their recovery. Governor Youngkin’s proposal for a Disaster Assistance Fund is aimed at addressing gaps in available support, notably in sectors such as housing and agricultural recovery. The collaboration with the Virginia General Assembly is essential to actualize this fund. Furthermore, neighboring West Virginia’s recovery initiatives complement Virginia’s efforts by providing critical support to affected individuals.
In summary, Virginia is pursuing an investment of $127 million to establish a Disaster Assistance Fund, which will help local residents recover from the severe impacts of Hurricane Helene. The proposal underlines the state’s commitment to addressing the unmet needs resulting from the disaster, particularly in housing and safety. Coordination with the General Assembly will be vital for the fund’s success, reflecting a proactive approach to disaster management. Moreover, West Virginia’s recovery initiatives signify a broader regional effort to support individuals affected by the hurricane.
Original Source: www.bdtonline.com
