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Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236
CONTACT:
Bob Spieldenner, VDEM (804) 674-2400
Kevin Hall, Office of the Governor (804) 225-4260; cell (804) 393-9406
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 11, 2006
Richmond, VA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Governor Timothy M. Kaine’s second request for Individual Assistance to assist property owners affected by Tropical Depression Ernesto. The storm, which began on August 29, caused seven deaths and an estimated $118 million in damage, primarily in central and eastern Virginia.
"We are disappointed that FEMA did not grant assistance for individual Virginians still working to recover from Ernesto's damage," said Governor Kaine. "We will immediately pursue assistance from the Small Business Administration in the form of low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damage."
The SBA can provide Real Property Loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or restore their primary home to its pre-disaster condition. Also, the agency can authorize Personal Property Loans to provide homeowners or renters with up to $40,000 to help repair or replace personal property, such as clothing, furniture and automobiles lost in the disaster. In addition, businesses suffering damage could receive loans to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.
Local and state volunteer organizations will also play a role in the long-term recovery of the damaged areas. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army and faith-based organizations have already provided assistance and their work will continue.
On Sept. 25, Governor Kaine requested that FEMA re-evaluate its decision to deny Individual Assistance for the counties of Accomack, Gloucester, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex and Northumberland, and the cities of Hampton, Newport News and Richmond. Individual Assistance makes funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants, low interest loans, unemployment assistance, and disaster housing assistance.
FEMA previously approved the governor's request for Public Assistance for damage to government infrastructure and to property owned by certain private nonprofit organizations for the counties of Accomack, Caroline, Charles City, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York, and the cities of Newport News, Poquoson and Richmond.
In addition, FEMA approved the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds for government projects that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.
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