Webb, Warner Urge FEMA to Assist VA Coastal Communities Affected by Flooding, Severe Weather

Washington, DC – Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner, in a November 16 letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate, urged the Agency to grant federal disaster assistance to 16 localities in Virginia’s coastal areas as a result of severe flooding and other weather-related damage from last week’s storms. Governor Timothy M. Kaine, who issued a Declaration of Emergency on November 11, 2009, also has requested the federal disaster assistance.

“We respectfully urge timely consideration of any federal disaster assistance requests for the counties and municipalities in Virginia affected by recent severe weather and flooding conditions,” wrote the Senators. “We appreciate FEMA’s attention to date, and your prompt assessment of this damage.”

The affected localities include the Towns of Colonial Beach and Chincoteague, Gloucester County, Halifax County, Isle of Wight County, James City County, King William County, Pittsylvania County, Mathews County, Newport News City, Norfolk City, Portsmouth City, Surry County, Virginia Beach City, City of Hampton, and York County.

 

Below is a copy of the letter sent to FEMA Administrator Fugate:


November 16, 2009

The Honorable W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC  20472

 

Dear Administrator Fugate:

We respectfully urge timely consideration of any federal disaster assistance requests for the counties and municipalities in Virginia affected by recent severe weather and flooding conditions.  Governor Kaine has already sought FEMA attention for these 13 localities statewide, which were declared local emergencies.  These areas experienced significant damage due to the combination of severe rainfall, winds and flooding stemming from the storm that took place November 10 – 14, 2009.  The situation has strained our local authorities. 

We appreciate FEMA’s attention to date, and your prompt assessment of this damage.  Thank you in advance for your continued assistance and your urgent consideration of this matter.  Please feel free to contact our offices if we can provide any assistance or information.

 

Sincerely,

Jim Webb                                                                                 Mark Warner

United States Senator                                                               United States Senator