FEMA gives Va $1M in Nor-Ida assistance

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) promised more than $1 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding Thursday to help Virginia localities repair and replace public infrastructure damaged in the wake of the severe storms and flooding associated with the 2009 November Nor'easter and the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida.

"Rebuilding infrastructure is a key component of disaster recovery," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Donald Keldsen. "Partnering with Commonwealth and local officials, FEMA has obligated more than $1 million toward that effort."

Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental Federal disaster grant assistance, up to 75 percent, for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain Private Non-Profit organizations.

"The storms caused quite a bit of damage to local infrastructure, so we're pleased that repair and replacement costs will be shared by the federal government," said State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline. "Now that the funds have been obligated, it shouldn't be long before the money starts being disbursed for approved projects." The remaining 25 percent of the costs will be shared by the Commonwealth and other applicants.

PA aid is available to the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, and the counties of Halifax, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Northampton and Surry.

The PA Program also encourages protection of damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.