Obama declares nor'easter disaster

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - On Wednesday, President Obama declared the Commonwealth of Virginia a major disaster area following last month's nor'easter, triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities respond to the damages left behind.

Assistance will be given to both state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations to repair or replace damaged facilities during the nor'easter.

Counties receiving the assistance are as follows: Halifax, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Northampton, and Surry, and the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

The President also launched a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which will assist state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations looking to take the necessary actions to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural disasters.

All jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

Governor Kaine said Thursday, "This federal assistance comes at a critical time as localities in Eastern Virginia continue to recover from last month's powerful storm. I am very pleased the federal government is again proving to be a constructive partner in the recovery process."

Remember, there are two local outreach centers open until 5 p.m Thursday to assist you in processing any claims. You may got to either the Ocean View Senior Center, located on East Ocean View Ave. in Norfolk, or the Northampton Community Center on Todds Lane in Hampton.

Individuals and businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance .

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Virginians may also apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site .

Congressman Glenn Nye released the following statement regarding the President's declaration:

"The November Nor'easter was a major disaster for families, businesses and communities across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Many families I spoke with, both during and after the storm, suffered serious damage to their homes and have had nowhere to turn for help. Since the storm hit, I have been working closely with the Governor's office and FEMA to get some relief for local families, businesses and communities affected by the flooding. The disaster declaration will finally clear the way for much-needed federal assistance, and I will keep working to help make sure every family has the assistance they need."

Congressman Rob Wittman released the following statement:

"This evening I was pleased to learn that President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia, triggering the release of Federal funds under the Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help communities respond to the severe storms and flooding associated with this past month's Nor'easter.

On November 24, 2009, I joined my colleagues in the Hampton Roads Congressional Delegation in sending a letter supporting Governor Tim Kaine's request for Federal disaster assistance after visiting the devastated neighborhoods and shores around the Hampton Roads region. I will continue to work with local, state and Federal partners to seek additional resources for individuals and communities impacted by the storm."

On the Web:

More on this Declaration can be found at FEMA.gov
Designated Counties
Individual Assistance FOIA
National Flood Insurance Program
Recovering From and Coping with Flood Damaged Property
Access to Disaster Help and Resources