Governor Youngkin emphasizes the need for swift federal disaster funding to rebuild Southwest Virginia
Richmond, Virginia – The terrible impact of Hurricane Helene still haunts Southwest Virginia, which prompts Governor Glenn Youngkin to ask for $4.4 billion in federal aid. Submitted to President Biden, President-elect Trump, and Congressional appropriators on November 15, the request emphasizes the vital need of funding to reconstruct communities, restore livelihoods, and repair important infrastructure over 36 impacted localities.
“While our Office of Hurricane Helene Recovery and Rebuilding continues to work collaboratively with our federal, state, and local partners, the severity of the impacts in Southwest Virginia require accelerated federal support. Given the urgent need for action, I respectfully requested assistance from our federal partners to support Virginia’s recovery needs as they work through the federal disaster supplemental funding. The resilience of Southwest Virginia and its residents is incredible, but we know more resources are required to fully rebuild our communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.
The influence of the hurricane has been disastrous. First estimates show direct and indirect economic losses across the region totaling over $2 billion. Almost 310,000 Virginians were left without power in the immediate wake of extensive damage compromising the electric distribution infrastructure. Transportation systems suffered as well; 484 highways and 118 bridges became unusable, effectively isolating the impacted areas.
With almost 3,700 farms suffering damage, the agricultural industry has seen alarmingly large losses. The storm threatened not just farmers’ livelihoods but also the larger economic stability of rural towns dependent on agriculture, therefore affecting an estimated $630 million in financial repercussions.
A pillar of Southwest Virginia’s economy, tourism has likewise been severely disrupted. The Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile federally owned rail-trail attracting 250,000 people a year, is among the most prominent deaths. With 18 trestles damaged and large portions of the route ruined, Hurricane Helene left important tourist spots like Abingdon and Damascus struggling to rebuild.
The Virginia Tourism Commission estimates notable declines in tourist expenditure this year. Reviving the economy of these regions depends on rebuilding important tourism infrastructure.
Understanding the complexity of the task, Governor Youngkin created the Office of Hurricane Helene Recovery and Rebuilding to expedite healing initiatives. To guarantee effective use of resources, the office is working with federal departments, local governments, and commercial enterprises. FEMA already has roughly 3,000 homes awaiting assessment in addition to almost 10,000 applications for individual aid.
The Governor’s trips to personally evaluate the damage have made clear how urgently federal assistance is needed. Long-term resilience is another area of priority under his government, supporting projects meant to shield areas against next calamities.
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The petition of Governor Youngkin underlines the need of federal disaster supplementary financing to handle the extensive destruction. From rebuilding homes and businesses to repairing critical infrastructure and boosting tourism, the sought $4.4 billion would meet a variety of requirements.
The Governor is steadfast in her advocacy of the resources Southwest Virginia needs even as the area heals. Gov. Youngkin says that communities are resilient and driven, but they cannot meet this obstacle on their own.
For additional information about Hurricane Helene’s impact and ongoing recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s disaster information page at this link.
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The way Southwest Virginia is recovering is evidence of the people’s resiliency and determination to rebuild. These communities can look forward a day when they emerge stronger and better prepared to face the difficulties ahead with the sought government backing.
