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FEMA Denies Tornado Assistance for VirginiaBy WYDaily Staff Monday, May 09, 2011 The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for federal disaster assistance for those affected by the April tornadoes.Governor Bob McDonnell requested federal disaster assistance for several localities, including Gloucester and Middlesex. Virginia was struck by 29 tornadoes in April, killing two in Gloucester and eight others in the southwestern part of the state. An estimated 212 homes were destroyed and 1,050 damaged statewide. Gloucester officials put damage there at $7.7 million, which includes a severely damaged Page Middle School and 162 homes either damaged or destroyed. Severe damage was also reported in the Grove area of James City County. McDonnell said his administration was "very disappointed" with FEMA's decision, but pledged continued state support as communities recover from the storm. "We are examining the possibility of appealing the decision," McDonnell said, "but in the meantime, state resources will continue to support the efforts of local governments and volunteer organizations that are helping our citizens recover." In addition, FEMA denied Virginia’s request for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds for government projects that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage. If approved, the federal assistance would have made low-interest loans and grants available for homeowners and renters in need of shelter. The hazard mitigation funds could have been used to modify or remove structures from a "hazard area," conduct public education campaigns, restore wetlands and manage soil erosion. “I want to thank local elected officials, state legislators and especially our congressional members for their strong, unwavering, bipartisan support of our request,” he added. |
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Ron Paul on The Diane Rhem Show May 3: "So there's a tornado, and houses get blown down, people get injured. I do not believe in coercing him to pay for it. I would have to go in with the IRS and say, I have to raise your taxes, and I want money from you. And I'm going to go out and help those people. No. If you live in an area where there's tornadoes -- I live in an area where there are hurricanes, but I don't think people outside of the hurricane area should pay for me living on the beach...I mean, whole towns are wiped out with hurricanes...We ll, then those people shouldn't be living there...Well, why don't you buy a private insurance? Oh, because it's too expensive, which means it's too dangerous...The government [steals] from somebody who doesn't live there, doesn't have the benefits of living on the coast, [so that those people who live there can] go and build where they shouldn't."
And the response of Gouchester tea party members to this would be?
This is a cold fact that history has shown over and over.
Shame on them !!! we are ALL American's
Our government is no different.
The beast must be fed.
If you try to deprive the beast, you will pay a price.
It just the way things are.
Brownie your doing a hell of a job
Couldn't agree more, Cindy! Half stores are nothing more than rumors and should be regarded as such. There may be a valid reason for the denial---or not.
You're right! FEMA isn't the enemy, politics is. Have you no heart for those whose homes, livelihoods and lives were destroyed by this natural disaster? Is everything about who you voted for? Are we THAT divided in this country? If so, do we have a "union" anymore or is everything ideological?
Interesting points KBAR but it won't wash. FEMA had no problem supporting the other states destroyed by tornadoes. RIddle that one Bat Boy. Disaster knows no colors---red or blue
They each can serve only a single four year term.
FEMA can help rebuild public infrastructure, but it is the responsibility of individual citizens to obtain their own insurance policies and repair damage. It is ironic that Gloucester is a very "red" county and a tea party stronghold, but as soon as they smell a chance to obtain Federal money, they start crying out to "Uncle FEMA". I am waiting for the next tea party chant of "keep your government hands off of my disastor relief!"