FEMA to aid PWC residents hurt by Tropical Storm Lee

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved federal disaster assistance to help Prince William County, seven other local governments and the state recover from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, which caused heavy rain and flooding in Virginia Sept. 8-9, according to a news release from Governor Bob McDonnell.

“This federal disaster assistance will help many of our localities recover the significant costs associated with response and recovery efforts,” the governor said.

McDonnell requested assistance through the federal Public Assistance program to help Prince William, Caroline, Essex, Fairfax, King and Queen, King George and Westmoreland counties and the city of Alexandria recover costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services.

If sufficient damage information is collected, other localities could be added to the declaration, the governor noted.

FEMA also approved the Hazard Mitigation program for use statewide. The Hazard Mitigation program provides funds for projects sponsored by state and local governments that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.

Earlier this month, Governor McDonnell requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration make low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in Prince William and Fairfax counties. That request was granted Nov. 14.