$7.3M in disaster relief grants announced to support Helene recovery in SW Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Governor’s Office Release) - $7.3 million in disaster relief grants to Giles and Washington counties and the Town of Fries are being made available to support long-term recovery after Tropical Storm Helene caused widespread damage and destruction in Southwest Virginia in 2024.

That’s according to an announcement from Governor Abigail Spanberger.

The Governor’s Office says Giles and Washington counties will each receive $3.5 million to support the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households. The Town of Fries will receive $322,712 for the installation of a generator at its water treatment facility to ensure continuity of essential water services during power outages and future weather-related events.

“Tropical Storm Helene delivered historic and devastating impacts to Southwest Virginia — washing out roads, damaging homes, and overwhelming local infrastructure in ways that no community could — or should have to — shoulder alone,” said Governor Spanberger. “As Virginians continue rebuilding their lives, these disaster relief grants will help provide families and localities with the long-term support they need to fully recover. I am committed to supporting these communities, restoring what was lost, and building resilience so that when future storms come, Virginia is better prepared.”

With these awards, the Governor’s Office says, Virginia is disbursing funding that was received in 2025 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program, which assists communities in recovering from presidentially declared disasters and in mitigating risks from future hazards. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is responsible for the administration of CDBG-DR funds within the Commonwealth.

Click here for more information about the funding.