Press Releases - Davis Petitions Governor Kaine to Request FEMA Disaster Declaration for Virginia
Davis Petitions Governor Kaine to Request FEMA Disaster Declaration for Virginia
Areas along the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Tidewater in need of assistance after Ernesto
(Washington, DC) - Citing damage along the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Tidewater areas as a result of tropical storm Ernesto, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis has asked Governor Tim Kaine to request the federal government label portions of the Commonwealth a federal disaster area.
"Ernesto's wind, rain and floodwater significantly impacted Eastern Virginia. Many residents have compared the damage to Hurricane Isabel. Northumberland County has estimated damages in excess of thirty million dollars. Unexpected destruction extends all along the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Tidewater. I believe it is necessary to request the assistance of the federal government, to make available loans and resources to rebuild and recover quickly," said Congresswoman Davis in a letter to the Governor.
"I assure you that I will continue to do all that is necessary to assist the Commonwealth. Should you determine federal assistance is warranted I stand ready to support your efforts and request the federal government issue the disaster declaration," added Davis.
Following the storm, Davis toured areas that were hit from the storm. "This unexpected storm caused severe damage to many areas in my district, and its aftereffects are impacting homeowners as well as business owners. Just recently, the VA Dept of Health declared all shell fish commercial fishing in the Bay and our District Rivers closed for a week due to Ernesto, effectively costing these watermen a week's pay. Another reason we need federal disaster status is so these folks can qualify for unemployment insurance for the time they miss work due to the storm," said Davis after touring her district.
http://joanndavis.house.gov/HoR/VA01/News/Press+Releases/2005/Davis+Petitions+Governor+Kaine+on+FEMA.htm