FEMA announces federal disaster assistance for Virginia

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced on Jan. 24, that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to support response efforts following a severe winter storm prediction that began on Jan. 22 and is ongoing.

The action, authorized by President Donald J. Trump, allows FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts aimed at alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency.

The assistance is intended to support state and local response operations, protect public health and safety, safeguard property, and lessen or avert the threat of further catastrophe across the Commonwealth.

Under this authorization, FEMA is empowered to identify, mobilize, and deploy equipment, personnel, and other federal resources as necessary to address the impacts of the storm. Emergency protective measures are eligible for assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance program and will be provided as direct federal assistance at a cost share of 75 percent federal funding.

These emergency measures may include actions such as debris removal, emergency medical support, temporary power restoration, and other critical efforts required to save lives and protect communities during and immediately following the storm.

Nancy M. Casper has been appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee federal response operations in the affected areas and to work closely with state, tribal, and local officials.

Additional designations for assistance may be made at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth of Virginia and warranted by the results of ongoing damage assessments.