(Washington, D.C.) — President Biden has granted Virginia’s request for an expedited Federal Major Disaster Declaration. This will help individuals and local governments recover from Hurricane Helene.
Governor Glenn Youngkin calls Helene the most significant disaster in Virginia since 2011. The declaration allows for federal funding to be made available to affected individuals in Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe Counties and the independent city of Galax. Youngkin says they will try to add other cities and counties to the list.
“We are thankful that Virginia was able to get this expedited disaster declaration so that we can continue this long process of recovery,” said Youngkin. “This will allow us to get resources to our impacted communities and Virginians as fast as possible. We will continue to work to add jurisdictions as additional assessments occur in impacted areas.”
There is already federal funding available for emergency work needed in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The National Weather Service confirms an EF-2 tornado hit Friday in Dry Fork, injuring one person.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.