Virginia Pursues Additional Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund to support recovery efforts for residents affected by Hurricane Helene. This fund aims to address gaps not covered by federal assistance or private donations. The initiative requires approval from the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to move forward, with specific legislation expected next year.

Virginia officials are actively seeking further assistance for residents affected by Hurricane Helene, even as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center operates in Mercer County. Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed a substantial investment of $127 million to create a Disaster Assistance Fund through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This funding aims to bridge the gap in recovery efforts, addressing essential needs not covered by federal aid, private donations, or insurance.

The FEMA recovery center located in Tazewell County, one of the areas severely impacted, closed just prior to Thanksgiving. The proposed fund would facilitate recovery efforts related to health, safety, and housing concerns through specific legislative appropriations. Governor Youngkin recognizes the pressing needs arising from the hurricane and emphasizes the importance of the fund to provide resources where they are urgently required in local communities following natural disasters.

Youngkin has made clear that this funding is critical, stating, “As we continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners on the path to recovery and rebuilding, the creation of the Disaster Assistance Fund is a critical step toward ensuring the Commonwealth has a reserve fund in place to address unmet needs… in the wake of natural disasters.” To bring this proposal to fruition, however, support from the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly is essential.

The proposed $127 million allocation would consist of $25 million from the General Fund and $102 million sourced from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s final payment and interest in 2023. Hurricane Helene has had a profound impact across Southwest Virginia, affecting over 310,000 residents with widespread infrastructure damage, including road and bridge closures, and significant adversity to agriculture and tourism.

The severe impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2023 prompted an urgent response from Virginia state officials. Over 36 localities in Southwest Virginia faced significant damage, leading to power outages, road and bridge closures, and overwhelming requests for individual assistance from FEMA. In this context, the establishment of a Disaster Assistance Fund has emerged as a pivotal response to address the recovery needs of the affected communities. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposal indicates a proactive effort to utilize state resources to supplement federal recovery efforts.

In conclusion, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s initiative to establish a Disaster Assistance Fund underscores the pressing need for enhanced support for Hurricane Helene victims in Virginia. With a proposed investment of $127 million aimed at addressing gaps in recovery efforts, this fund could provide critical assistance to those facing unaddressed challenges following the disaster. As these efforts advance, securing bipartisan support from the General Assembly will be crucial for effective implementation and recovery in the affected regions.

Original Source: www.bdtonline.com