Last August, Virginia experienced a rare earthquake whose epicenter was near Mineral, Virginia. Over 1,400 homes suffered damage that was not covered by insurance.
In early October FEMA turned down Virginia’s request for funding to help homeowners and renters repair homes. Last Friday evening, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that the FEMA denial had been reversed. According to the Washington Post:
Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) appealed that decision last Friday with support from Virginia’s entire congressional delegation. McDonnell announced Friday evening that FEMA had been persuaded to grant the aid.
“Many of our fellow Virginians who call Louisa home are hurting, and this is critically needed aid during a very trying time,” McDonnell said in a prepared statement. “The once-in-one-hundred-years earthquake that struck Virginia in August caused significant damage that was not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Many homes and businesses have been extensively damaged. This assistance is a key resource for families and business owners who have been trying to recover for more than two months.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D) called the decision “the best news I’ve heard in some time.”
“This is very welcome news for homeowners and business people in Louisa,” Warner said in a statement. “Approval of this federal assistance will provide access to low-interest loans and other aid that can help individuals rebuild and recover from the damage caused by a rare, once-in-a-generation 5.8-magnitude earthquake.”
More than 1,400 homes were damaged by the quake and its many aftershocks, according to McDonnell’s office.
This is excellent news! Virginia has suffered from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tropical storms this year. Its disaster relief has been sorely challenged. It is wonderful news that FEMA funds will be granted. Rep. Eric Cantor objected to receiving funds at first, until he was reminded it was his district that was hit. I hope he writes FEMA the thank you note. Governor McDonnell was persistent and should get the credit for the reversal. He met with President and Mrs. Obama in October briefly and personally informed the president of the serious need for FEMA relief.
Earthquakes are very rare in Virginia and most homeowners do not have earthquake insurance. The appeal sought $22.5 million in relief and the entire Virginia Congressional delegation, including Rep. Cantor, sent a letter to FEMA urging the agency to reverse its denial of funds.
In a separate request, Governor McDonnell applied for $31 million to help repair or replace 2 schools in Louisa County that were destroyed or heavily damaged in the earthquake. Middle and high school are now sharing the same space because of the heavy damage and are going on split shift.
I find it odd that no one seems to care about this. I think it is a great coup for Virginia and shows bipartisan work, something we don’t often see.
Cargo, you oppose this or not? Marin? Isn’t this a role govt. should play?
What if you had $100k worth of repairs on your home due to this earthquake?
I don’t have a problem with FEMA helping. I think its great that FEMA came to its senses. I do believe that Congress should make cuts elsewhere to pay for it. And those cuts should not be hard to find. The problem is that no Congressman wants HIS pet project cut. And to be bipartisan, I’ll mention Cantor’s love for the extra, unneeded engine for the F35…..