Virginia Seeks Additional Support for Hurricane Helene Victims
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund to support residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The initiative targets recovery needs not covered by federal assistance, requiring legislative approval. The hurricane resulted in significant damage across Southwest Virginia, with over 310,000 residents impacted. The funding aims to address gaps in recovery efforts and ensure ongoing support for affected communities.
The state of Virginia is actively pursuing additional support for residents affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused significant destruction in September. Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund aimed at helping local communities address recovery needs not covered by federal resources or private donations. With Tazewell County among the hardest hit, a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center recently closed, emphasizing the need for continued state assistance. Governor Youngkin is seeking legislative approval from the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly to establish this fund, which he believes is crucial for ensuring adequate support for those impacted. The proposed funding will consist of $25 million from the General Fund and $102 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, reflecting a strategic approach to addressing recovery needs across 36 affected localities. The impact of Hurricane Helene has resulted in extensive damage, including power outages affecting over 310,000 residents, closure of roads and bridges, and substantial losses in agriculture and tourism revenues.
The remnants of Hurricane Helene significantly impacted Southwest Virginia in late September, leading to extensive damage and the need for recovery efforts. With a total of 36 localities affected by the storm, state officials recognized the urgency of establishing additional funding to support recovery initiatives that are not fully covered by federal assistance or insurance. The state has proactively aimed to fill these gaps, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities in returning to normalcy following such a disaster.
In summary, Virginia’s initiative to create a $127 million Disaster Assistance Fund underscores the state’s commitment to aiding residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The proposed fund is expected to address essential recovery needs and support overall resilience in the face of natural disasters. However, its implementation will require collaboration and approval from the Virginia General Assembly. As Virginia navigates these challenges, ongoing efforts are critical to ensuring comprehensive support for impacted communities.
Original Source: www.bdtonline.com
