FEMA Denies Tornado Assistance for Va., Again

By Amanda Iacone, Virginia Statehouse News Saturday, June 25, 2011

RICHMOND – A second denial for federal disaster assistance Thursday hasn’t fazed Gov. Bob McDonnell, who quickly pledged to seek similar help from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Federal Emergency Management Association, or FEMA, on Thursday announced that it denied the state’s appeal and will not provide funding for Virginia counties damaged by 34 tornadoes - including one in the Grove area of James City and Gloucester - that tore through the state in April, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 100. An estimated 212 houses were destroyed and more than 1,000 houses were damaged.

McDonnell’s plea to FEMA was backed by the state’s congressional delegation, to no avail. McDonnell and U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, R- 5th District, called the news disappointing.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have lost so much as a result of the severe weather. Despite FEMA’s denial, I continue to encourage all Virginians to help in assisting the victims of these storms in the rebuilding efforts,” Hurt said.

McDonnell plans to seek similar help from the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, which could provide low-interest loans to homeowners and renters in addition to business owners.

The state has benefited from SBA’s help in the past and seeking the agency’s assistance make sense because FEMA’s aid starts with SBA loans, said Bob Spieldenner, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

Virginia will ask SBA to declare Washington and Pulaski counties eligible for disaster loan assistance so residents there, and surrounding localities, can benefit from the help, he said.

Disaster loans are just one of many programs the SBA operates. Homeowners can seek loans to repair or restore their property to pre-storm conditions. Renters can obtain loans to replace clothing, furniture or vehicles if they don’t have renters insurance. Businesses can repair or replace destroyed or damaged property plus cover revenue losses, according to the governor’s office.

Spieldenner said officials plan to submit the state’s request this week and expect to hear from SBA in the next two weeks.

In the meantime, donations continue to trickle into the governor’s disaster relief fund. McDonnell pledged to provide $600,000 to the fund, and an additional $34,951 has been donated. The $600,000 contribution from the state is contingent on year-end savings.

Localities have begun placing requests for that money, but nothing has been provided, said Jeff Caldwell, a spokesman for McDonnell.

Task forces are working in Gloucester, Pulaski, and Washington counties — the hardest hit areas — to coordinate with churches and charities that are helping families, Spieldenner said. The disaster relief money could help those groups pay for services for survivors, cleanup and construction as the communities recover, he said.

Virginia had sought FEMA assistance for Washington, Halifax, Pulaski, Gloucester and Middlesex counties. The federal agency denied the state’s first request in early May prompting the appeal, which was rejected.