Federal government allocates millions of dollars for Virginia to help with post-Hurricane Helene rebuilding efforts
Virginia – Virginia is set to receive a significant boost in federal aid to assist with the recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last September. Particularly in Southwest Virginia where the hurricane claimed three lives and caused significant damage, more than $46 million will be allocated to the commonwealth to help in rebuilding and restoring the impacted areas.
Democrats from Virginia, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced the $46,670,000 government grant distribution. This financial help is a component of a more comprehensive disaster relief program, which proved to be vital in maintaining government operations until mid-March. The Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the money. This initiative is meant to provide flexible financing to promote the long-term recovery of impacted areas, so supporting the repair of infrastructure, houses, and businesses as well as financing job training and economic regeneration.
When Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a state of emergency on September 25, as Hurricane Helene approached, the severity of Hurricane Helene became apparent. Strong floods unleashed by the hurricane caused significant damage throughout Southwest Virginia. Severe damage to the electrical grid left around 310,000 people without power following the storm. Many highways and bridges were also rendered unusable, significantly impacting regional everyday life and economic operations.
Governor Youngkin’s administration said in reaction to the storm that it has noted 118 bridges and 484 main and secondary road closures. Senators Warner and Kaine visited the devastated regions to speak with citizens and go over the required federal aid following the storm. Their travels highlighted the desire to help Southwest Virginia rebuild.
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“We’ve both visited Southwest Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene to hear directly from those impacted by the storm—and rebuilding those communities remains a top priority,” said the senators in a statement.
“We were glad to secure these resources in the end-of-year package because this flexible funding is going to be critical to helping communities rebuild where it’s most needed. We will continue to support individuals across Southwest Virginia as they build back their homes, businesses, and communities.”
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Last October, the senators’ preemptive actions supporting more federal assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton strengthened the relief operations. This advocacy was part of a larger legislative push securing $110 billion in disaster aid as part of a temporary government funding mechanism
Governor Youngkin has also presented a $127 million plan to assist in recovery initiatives, which calls for using General Fund and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) money. Despite efforts to withdraw from RGGI, these funds play a pivotal role in addressing the impacts of extreme weather events by reducing climate-changing emissions.
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Virginia has set five disaster recovery centers since October 7, 2024, in communities including Damascus, Dublin, Independence, Marion, and Tazewell with plans to develop further in Southwest Virginia as part of the continuous recovery activities. These centers are extremely beneficial in giving the populations impacted by hurricanes required tools and support.
Emphasizing the cooperation between federal, state, and local organizations to mend the fabric of the communities and restore normalcy in the wake of such natural disasters, the federal funds and state plans are essential initiatives towards recovery as the commonwealth is still rebuilding.
