If at first you don’t succeed, try again.
After failing in September to win approval from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, Virginia last week secured federal disaster assistance for Louisa County residents and businesses affected by the 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August.
Gov. Bob McDonnell appealed the state’s case all the way to the top when President Obama visited Virginia for a two-day bus tour in October. At the time, McDonnell said it was a productive conversation and he hoped the president was persuaded to review FEMA’s denial.
“The once-in-100 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,” McDonnell said. “This assistance is a key resource for families and business owners who have been trying to recover for more than two months.”
Volunteers who normally pitch in following floods and tornados were were limited by a lack of experience with earthquakes. Much of the destruction was at the foundation level.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management estimated more than $15 million in damage and 1,400 homes affected.
Those struggling in the aftermath of the quake can apply for disaster housing assistance, low-interest loans and grants.
“Officials in Louisa and Richmond, Governor 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,” U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., said. “This really is the best news I’ve heard in some time.”
But the McDonnell administration also heard a bit of bad news Friday from FEMA. The state will not receive federal assistance to aid the cleanup efforts following Tropical Storm Lee.
McDonnell is determining whether to appeal that ruling as well.
