Federal aid deadline approaching

UNDATED, Va. - The application deadline for federal funding due to damage sustained during the November nor'easter is January 8, 2010, Commonwealth and Federal disaster officials announced Tuesday.

The funds are meant to help qualifying local jurisdictions repair roads, bridges and other public property damaged in the storm.

"To be considered for infrastructure repair funds, we must receive your application by the January 8th deadline," said State Coordinator Michael Cline of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) in a news release. Local officials are strongly encouraged to meet this deadline.

FEMA officials want to ensure local governments have sufficient time to make their requests, Federal Coordinating Officer Donald Keldsen of FEMA explained in the release.

Jurisdictions included in the Presidential Disaster Declaration include:

Qualifying COUNTIES:

• Halifax
• Isle of Wight
• King and Queen
• Northampton
• Surry

Qualifying INDEPENDENT CITIES:

• Chesapeake
• Hampton
• Newport News
• Norfolk
• Poquoson
• Portsmouth
• Virginia Beach

Eligible applicants include Commonwealth and local governments, political subdivisions, special districts and certain non-profit organizations in designated jurisdictions.

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