Gov. fights for tornado relief

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Governor Bob McDonnel is determined to get federal assistance for Virginians impacted by a string of deadly tornadoes in April.

The Governor announced Tuesday that he plans to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's decision to deny disaster relief. The Governor made separate requests for Pulaski, Halifax and Washington counties. He also requested that FEMA consider April 8-28 one period, so other areas such as Gloucester and Middlesex counties could be added. FEMA denied all of his requests.

"Local and state governments and volunteers are doing all they can to help, but federal assistance would make a big difference in ensuring that hundreds of Virginians recover from this devastation," Governor McDonnell said in a news release. "I urge FEMA to reconsider this decision and to expedite my request. I also sincerely appreciate the tremendous assistance we have received from our entire Congressional delegation in making and now moving forward with this decision. This has been a bipartisan effort and I want to particularly thank Congressmen Morgan Griffith, Robert Hurt and Robb Wittman and Senator Mark Warner for their leadership and commitment to ensuring we take every step possible to help Virginians who have been harmed by these horrific storms.”

Governor McDonnell established a tornado relief fund for the victims. Donations can be made by checks payable to Treasurer of Virginia with “tornado relief” noted in the memo line. Send checks to Comptroller’s Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971. Donations are tax deductible.

At least 30 tornadoes hit Virginia in April, killing 10 people and injuring more than 100. Approximately 212 homes were destroyed, and more than 1,050 homes and businesses were damaged.

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Online:

Tornado relief fund: www.vaemergency.com