More recovery assistance from the United States government is now available for parts of southwestern Virginia affected by Hurricane Helene late last week.
President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for selected areas that allow individuals in six counties and one city to apply for funds to rebuild. This covers Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe counties as well as the city of Galax.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” reads an announcement sent out this afternoon.
In addition, the declaration of a major disaster in other localities allows for local governments and certain nonprofit groups to apply for funds on a cost-sharing basis. In addition to the above localities, jurisdictions range from Bedford County to the east to Wise County in the west.
“Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App,” the announcement continues.
Governor Glenn Youngkin took a moment at an event in Albemarle to ask those in attendance to think about those who have been affected by the disaster.
“Any way that we can support Virginians who are recovering from the tremendous damage done from Hurricane Helene would be greatly appreciated,” Youngkin said. “There are workforces being deployed all over the Commonwealth.”
Youngkin urged anyone willing to donate financially to channel efforts through the United Way of Southwest Virginia. (visit the website here)
Meanwhile, utilities in much of southwest Virginia remain impaired after heavy flooding. For instance, Virginia Tech is under a boil water directive until further notice as the Montgomery County Public Service Authority Waterworks continues to stabilize operations.
“All water supply lines must be flushed, meaning existing water in the lines will be emptied through a variety of outlets to include fire hydrants and flushing valves,” reads a status update on the Virginia Tech website. “Then, the Water Authority and its members have to complete two rounds of testing on the water supply systems.”
The notice is not expected to be lifted until the weekend. Virginia Tech is distributing bottled water to students in residence halls.
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