WASHINGTON (WAVY) – President Donald Trump approved Virginia’s disaster declaration requested by Governor Ralph Northam, which makes federal funding available.
The Federal assistance will supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning January 20, 2020.
Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named MaryAnn Tierney as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Virginia can still request more aid at a later date if needed.
According to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine this Major Disaster Declaration will allow FEMA to provide emergency protective measures to the Commonwealth at a 75% federal cost share for eligible assistance like medical care, food distribution and more.
“This disaster declaration will trigger important federal resources to help communities recover from COVID-19,” said Warner. “Virginia will now be able to utilize a wide range of federal assistance programs to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, supplemental nutrition assistance, and more.”
“I’m grateful that Governor Northam’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration was approved to help Virginia combat the coronavirus. Last month, I wrote to the Trump Administration urging swift approval of these requests to help ensure Virginia and other states can get the support they need to respond to this pandemic. I’m committed to doing everything I can to push for additional federal resources for the Commonwealth,” said Kaine.
Learn more about FEMA’s Virginia Disaster assistance here.
