Gov. McDonnell Requests FEMA Aid for Flooding Victims

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Monday that he is seeking a federal disaster declaration to help people recover from flooding caused by  

"The heavy rain from Tropical Storm Lee caused catastrophic damage to neighborhoods and businesses in Fairfax and Prince William counties,” said Governor McDonnell in a prepared statement.  “Federal assistance is critical in helping people who suffered significant losses.”

More from the press release: 

The governor requested federal aid through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. If approved, the Individual Assistance program makes funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants and low-interest loans as well as disaster housing assistance.  The governor also requested disaster unemployment assistance, legal services and crisis counseling.

If the governor’s request is approved and if sufficient damage information is collected, other localities will be added to the declaration.

McDonnell also said he has requested the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program for all Virginia localities. Such a program, "helps local and state governments take actions to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as modifying or removing structures from a hazard area and conducting public education campaigns."

Many residents of Holly Acres mobile home park lost their homes in the flooding. Because that area is in a FEMA-designated floodway, the homes are not able to be rebuilt. Demolition is underway to clear out the remaining devastated trailers but could take another week.