U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith representing Virginia's 9th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith representing Virginia's 9th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Representative Morgan Griffith, have appealed to President Trump for the approval of Virginia's updated request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration. This appeal follows severe winter storms in February that resulted in extensive flooding and damage across Southwest Virginia.
The updated request from Virginia seeks Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for several counties, including Bland, Giles, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, and Wise. Previously included were Buchanan, Dickenson, and Tazewell counties.
The lawmakers' letter comes over two weeks after their initial support for the original disaster declaration request was submitted but not yet granted by the President.
"Unfortunately, this storm has resulted in at least four fatalities," they noted. "Significant damage to regional infrastructure left over 203,000 customers without power at its peak."
Grundy and Hurley in Buchanan County faced catastrophic flooding with river gauges reaching historical levels. More than 150 swift water rescues were carried out amid challenging conditions that hampered thorough damage assessments due to access issues and ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
The lawmakers emphasized that "additional impacts have been revealed now that post-storm assessments are taking place." They argued that an amended expedited Major Disaster Declaration would provide essential federal resources needed for public safety and recovery efforts.
Such declarations are typically issued when disasters prevent feasible field damage assessments but clearly necessitate supplemental federal assistance. Approval would allow Virginia quicker access to federal support necessary to manage the aftermath of both recent storms and previous events like Hurricane Helene.
Governor Glenn Youngkin had already declared a state of emergency on February 10 ahead of the storms. His subsequent requests included Individual Assistance and Public Assistance as well as statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance.
As these severe weather events unfolded inland with over seven inches of rain falling in some areas, significant life-threatening flash flooding occurred across vulnerable regions. The area has experienced five major floods within five years.
The letter concludes by urging prompt action on Governor Youngkin’s request: "We thank you for your consideration...and request you act expeditiously to approve this designation."
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