Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, Congressman Rob Wittman released the following statement after learning that President Barack Obama had declared the areas affected by last month's nor'easter in the Commonwealth of Virginia a Federal Disaster Area.

"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."


Details of the disaster declaration follow below:

Declaration Number:

FEMA-1862-DR

Incident:

Severe Storms and Flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor'easter

Incident Period:

November 11, 2009, and continuing

Federal Coordinating Officer:

Donald L. Keldsen

National FCO Program

Type of Assistance:

Public Assistance: (Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):

Designated Counties:

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.

Type of Assistance:

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: (Assistance to State and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards). http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm

Designated Counties:

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

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.