Kaine requests federal aid to help nor'easter victims

Posted to: Hurricanes - Storms News Weather
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By Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 21, 2009

NORFOLK

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has requested money from FEMA and low-interest loans from the government to help people who were victims of last week’s nor’easter.

Kaine asked for FEMA assistance to cover costs of damage to public infrastructure and debris removal in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and the counties of Halifax, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Northampton and Surry, a governor’s office statement said.

He also requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration make emergency, low-interest loans available to homeowners and renters in areas with the most storm damage. That would affect people in Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

If approved, people who live in adjacent localities could also apply for loans, Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, said in a statement late Friday.

Kaine visited Hampton and Ocean View on Saturday to look at the damage and talk to people who lost property.

In the statement, he said: “As we continue to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the storm, it’s critical we receive federal relief to help our businesses and citizens recover as quickly as possible.”

Spieldenner said it’s not clear how long it would be before a decision is made.

“We don’t really know,” he said. “Sometimes we’ve had it be days and sometimes we’ve had it be weeks.”

Patrick Wilson, (757) 446-2957, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com

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What in the world

Submitted by brpster on Sat, 11/21/2009 at 6:36 pm.

does the small business administration have to do with homes that are flooded? They are in existence to help small businesses.

If I recall correctly

Submitted by brpster on Sat, 11/21/2009 at 6:33 pm.

A few days before this article came out, WAVY news had a report that said FEMA says the area is not eligible for their assistance based on the number of homeowners that have flood insurance.

I'm Waiting

Submitted by Wm D Tabor DDS on Sat, 11/21/2009 at 9:57 am.

My duck blind on Back Bay was totally destroyed by the Noreaster.

Will FEMA send the Corps of Engineers to repair it? After all, flood insurance is not available for duck blinds, so should we not be first in line for help, or at least ahead of those who could have purchased flood insurance and chose not to?

Insurance

Submitted by nadezhda on Sat, 11/21/2009 at 6:13 pm.

I have flood insurance, and I have been told that I cannot stay in my house while the work is being done to replace the floors and work on the walls. Guess what? Flood insurance won't pay for a place for me to stay or get packers in to move me. If the area is considered a federal disaster zone, I can get housing help. Meanwhile, in addition to the $5000 deductible on my house and the $5000 deductible on my contents, I have to come up with moving expenses, rent, and all other assorted expenses. For this, I am paying $2300/year in flood insurance alone (don't get me started on homeowners). I don't live in an expensive high-rise; it is a beach cottage. I understand there is a risk to living close to the water; I also thought I was protected by my insurance. What a boondoggle!