President Trump approves emergency FEMA declaration to deal with winter storm

WASHINGTON, DC (WDBJ) - FEMA has announced federal disaster assistance is available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm this weekend.

President Trump issued this statement:

I have approved Emergency Declarations for the Historic Winter Storms headed to the Great State of South Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia. With the help of FEMA and our State partners, we will keep everyone safe, and make sure both States have the support they need. We will continue to monitor, and stay in touch with all States in the path of this storm. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!

FEMA says the President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to “alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the entire Commonwealth.”

FEMA says:

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Nancy M. Casper has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.