Virginia’s request for federal tornado assistance has been denied, again.
Disappointed, Gov. Bob McDonnell said he would seek other remedies for tornado damage to five Virginia localities.
W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said in a letter to McDonnell that “the damage to dwellings and impacts from each of these distinct and separate events was not of such severity and magnitude to merit a disaster declaration.”
He also said that the damage “was not beyond the combined capabilities of the commonwealth, affected local governments and voluntary agencies.”
McDonnell initially sought aid in three separate requests for Pulaski County, Halifax County and Washington County. They were denied by FEMA. McDonnell appealed all three denials and also asked FEMA to consider damage done in two other counties, Gloucester and Middlesex counties, from April 8 to April 28 as one request.
McDonnell also is soliciting voluntary relief and has created a Virginia Disaster Relief Fund. He announced in May that $600,000 in anticipated state savings will be added to the fund.
Those who want to contribute can write a check to the Treasurer of Virginia, with “tornado relief” posted in the memo line. Checks should go to the Comptroller’s Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971. Donations are tax-deductible.
A website has been created for credit-card donations. It is http://disasterrelief.vi.virginia.gov.
