Press Releases
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $700,000 in funding awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Rex Theater Revitalization project to help the City of Galax preserve and highlight its unique cultural heritage as well as improve the long-term economic impact of the theater.
“Southwest Virginia has a rich history worth protecting,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that this federal funding will go towards the preservation and modernization of the Rex Theater, which will strengthen the local economy by boosting tourism and increasing foot traffic to nearby businesses.”
Galax, in partnership with the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission (MRPDC), will use this funding to improve accessibility, expand capacity, and modernize the historic Rex Theater. Once completed, the theater is projected to attract over 7,000 visitors, host nearly 600 programs, and generate more than $315,000 in revenue within just three years.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of the ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *
Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $3.2 million in funding for the Lee County Sewer Improvement Project, which will provide wastewater service to hundreds of households and over 1,000 residents and businesses not currently being served by a public wastewater system.
“High-quality water infrastructure is critical to the health and wellbeing of all Virginians,” said the senators. “We are thrilled to be announcing further funding for this project so that Lee County residents may soon transition from individual septic tanks and straight pipes into Indian Creek to public wastewater systems.”
In addition to providing wastewater service to Lee County, the Sewer Improvement Project will act as the basis for expansion of Lincoln Memorial University, which is an integral driver of the region’s economy.
Sens. Warner and Kaine requested funding for this project as part of FY2025 appropriations process. In January, they again advocated for this modernization project by writing to the Office of Management and Budget as well as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to request support. Later that month, the senators announced that they obtained over $26 million in federal funding to update and expand Lee County’s wastewater system.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
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Warner & Kaine Announce Two Grants to Combat Substance Use Disorder in Southwest Virginia
Sep 23 2025
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced almost $600,000 in funding to address substance use disorder in Southwest Virginia by expanding recovery resources and promoting workforce entry. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative, which seeks to address the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis across Appalachia.
“Our country’s substance use crisis disproportionately impacts Virginians in Appalachian communities who already face barriers to accessing substance use education and treatment, as well as reliable transportation and housing,” said the senators. “We are proud to be long-time supporters of the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is helping make this funding possible, and to empower two organizations that are addressing these challenges, providing care to Virginians, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s workforce.”
The grants will be awarded as below:
- Mountain Empire Community College will receive over $490,000 for its Project Southwest Virginia Opioid Abuse Recovery Initiative, which prepares participants for careers in skilled trades and other in-demand jobs.
- Appalachian Center for HOPE (ACH) will receive $100,000 for its Stage 2 planning project, which consists of a 12-month intensive process to determine service and resource gaps in the substance use disorder support community, identifies viable funding sources to expand services, and outlines concrete actions ACH can take to overcome the stigma-related obstacles that have hindered previous project achievement.
The senators have been longtime supporters of the Appalachian Center for HOPE, having secured $650,000 in the FY2023 Government Funding Bill to help provide residential treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorder in Smyth County. Last year, Sen. Warner visited an ACH facility for the launch of its residential treatment center in Marion, which was a direct result of the funding that the senators secured.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of the ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *
Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $60,900,000 in federal funding to help farmers in Virginia recover from Hurricane Helene. This funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will be distributed to farmers to help repair and cover infrastructure, timber, and market losses from Hurricane Helene. The funding was included in the disaster relief package that the senators pushed to pass last December.
“Hurricane Helene was devastating to many in Virginia, and it’s critical that we help our farmers get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said the senators. ”We’re glad this funding will provide needed support to farmers in rural Virginia. We will continue to do all we can to help every Virginian recover.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Warner and Kaine were vocal advocates for significant federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery, and both senators met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. This March, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins urging the USDA to quickly publish clear guidelines on administering disaster relief aid to farmers following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Immediately following the hurricanes, Warner and Kaine successfully urged the Biden Administration to submit a supplemental funding request to cover the costs associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statements slamming an erroneous list released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that includes 20 counties—including Martinsville County, which does not exist—and 13 “cities”—including Duffield, a town with roughly 70 residents and no dedicated police department—as being “sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law.” There are no sanctuary cities in Virginia and various jurisdictions, including Martinsville and Tazewell County, have released statements to share their confusion regarding being included on the list.
“This list is further proof that the Trump administration’s obsession with government efficiency is nothing but cheap talk. The White House should get its basic facts straight before attempting to come after Virginia’s localities and its hardworking public servants,” said Warner.
“The list is riddled with egregious errors—Martinsville isn’t a county and Duffield isn’t a city,” said Kaine. “Coupled with the Department of Health and Human Services’ report this week that cites nonexistent studies, I’m concerned that the Administration is turning to artificial intelligence to replace the work of dedicated civil servants that are being fired. This is yet another reminder of why it’s important that agencies be staffed by experts, because putting inaccurate information out only sows chaos and confusion, and puts commonsense solutions to real problems further out of reach.”
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement on the decision by the Department of Labor (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to pause enforcement of its final rule to better protect America’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust:
“Coal miners deserve to go to work every day and come back healthy, and the recent decision by the Mine Safety and Health Administration delaying enforcement of their landmark rule to better protect miners from silica dust is an alarming abdication of responsibility. Silica dust has caused severe black lung disease in young coal miners, and as the Trump administration continues to cause chaos through their indiscriminate funding cuts and firings, it’s our miners who are being left behind. We expect the Mine Safety and Health Administration to begin enforcement of this rule no later than their August 18, 2025 deadline.”
Last year, the senators applauded the DOL’s decision to amend current federal silica standards after spending years advocating for the updated rule to better protect miners from inhaling toxic chemicals.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) along with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) issued a statement on the formal approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the February winter storms that caused widespread flooding and damage to Southwest Virginia. This declaration triggers the release of Public Assistance for Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise Counties and the independent city of Bristol. The Commonwealth’s request for Individual Assistance remains under review.
“After weeks of pushing at the federal level, we are glad to see this crucial assistance approved for Southwest Virginia,” said the lawmakers. “This is a strong first step towards supporting recovery efforts and we will continue pushing for Individual Assistance to help deliver resources to the families most hard-hit by this devastating flooding.”
This approval comes more than six weeks after the Senators and Rep. Griffith originally wrote to President Trump in support of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushing back on his decision to gut the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firing nearly 900 employees. Recent reporting has indicated that these firings include all employees tasked with protecting the health and safety of coal miners.
“According to reports, HHS is laying off approximately 873 employees, or two-thirds, of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” the senators wrote. “According to a notification provided to AFGE Local 1969, whose federal employee members are being impacted, all employees working on mining safety and health in NIOSH’s Spokane, WA and Pittsburgh, PA, offices are being let go. , The NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division focuses on coal miner safety, and the Spokane Mining Research Division specializes in hard rock mining, and are the two main research hubs for NIOSH’s Mining Research Program. Additionally, reports indicate more than 185 NIOSH employees are being laid off from its Morgantown, WV, office, who also work to protect miner health, among other occupational safety and health activities.”
The senators also highlighted the immediate impacts of this move, explaining that mining communities are already being left without key health services.
They continued, “We also have heard from those who work directly with our miner constituents in these communities that the Enhanced Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program is also being decimated. This program provides direct screening services via a mobile medical unit to miners at no cost. NIOSH also supports clinic sites where screening is done, so miners can understand if they are developing black lung or another condition and be as healthy as possible for themselves and their families.”
In their letter, the senators demanded answers from Secretary Kennedy, questioning how these crucial services will continue with a significantly reduced workforce. The senators requested a written response to the following:
- How many HHS employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the VERA/VSIP offer since January 20, 2025? Provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. For each category of employee at each agency, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. Include employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status. Please provide the latest data available.
- How many HHS employees remain who work on mining health and safety? Please provide a complete breakdown by agency and position.
- How many additional employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety do you intend to fire following the announcement made on March 27, 2025?
- Provide all analyses conducted prior to the reorganization and firings of HHS employees who work in offices that focus on mining safety and health to determine the immediate and long-term impact these firings will have on programs and activities that those employees are tasked with administering. In particular, provide all analyses relating to 1) ensuring statutory obligations will be met, and 2) the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.
A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
We write today with alarming concern about reports that nearly the entire workforce that works to improve the health of miners was laid off and the office that oversees this work was eliminated. We urge you to reverse course immediately and ensure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues its important work in our states to protect and serve our constituents.
According to reports, HHS is laying off approximately 873 employees, or two-thirds, of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to a notification provided to AFGE Local 1969, whose federal employee members are being impacted, all employees working on mining safety and health in NIOSH’s Spokane, WA and Pittsburgh, PA, offices are being let go. , The NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division focuses on coal miner safety, and the Spokane Mining Research Division specializes in hard rock mining, and are the two main research hubs for NIOSH’s Mining Research Program. Additionally, reports indicate more than 185 NIOSH employees are being laid off from its Morgantown, WV, office, who also work to protect miner health, among other occupational safety and health activities.
We also have heard from those who work directly with our miner constituents in these communities that the Enhanced Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program is also being decimated. This program provides direct screening services via a mobile medical unit to miners at no cost. NIOSH also supports clinic sites where screening is done, so miners can understand if they are developing black lung or another condition and be as healthy as possible for themselves and their families.
Never has there been a more critical time to do this work. A 2023 study conducted jointly by researchers at NIOSH and at the University of Illinois Chicago found that coal miners in central Appalachia—Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky—were eight times more likely to die from respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and black lung than American men who are not miners. Our constituents are getting more severe disease at younger ages in recent decades, and we might never had known that without the expertise of NIOSH’s work on coal miner health.
We require more than a fact sheet indicating these duties will be reorganized into an Administration for a Healthy America given the extensive cuts to personnel. In order for us to better understand how the same amount of work can be done with hundreds fewer individuals, please provide responses to the following questions by April 9, 2025:
- How many HHS employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the VERA/VSIP offer since January 20, 2025? Provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. For each category of employee at each agency, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. Include employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status. Please provide the latest data available.
- How many HHS employees remain who work on mining health and safety? Please provide a complete breakdown by agency and position.
- How many additional employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety do you intend to fire following the announcement made on March 27, 2025?
- Provide all analyses conducted prior to the reorganization and firings of HHS employees who work in offices that focus on mining safety and health to determine the immediate and long-term impact these firings will have on programs and activities that those employees are tasked with administering. In particular, provide all analyses relating to 1) ensuring statutory obligations will be met, and 2) the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.
Art Miller, an expert in mine air quality who has been working for NIOSH since 1996 and for its predecessor before this, was part of the Spokane-area firings. He noted that no one else does this kind of research and that “every worker in this country deserves to go home safe.” We agree, and urge you to reverse these cuts before it’s too late.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) wrote a letter to President Trump urging approval of Virginia’s updated request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the February winter storms that caused widespread flooding and damage to Southwest Virginia. The updated request by the Commonwealth of Virginia asks for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for the counties of Bland, Giles, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, and Wise. The original request included the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, and Tazewell.
Today’s letter of support comes more than two weeks after the Senators and Rep. Griffith originally wrote to President Trump in support of Virginia’s original request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which has not yet been granted.
“Unfortunately, this storm has resulted in at least four fatalities, caused significant damage to regional infrastructure, left over 203,000 customers without power at its peak, caused over 270 road closures including low water bridges and road washouts, resulted in multiple 9-1-1 center outages,” said the lawmakers. “The towns of Grundy and Hurley (Buchanan County) experienced catastrophic flooding, with the river gauges in these towns spiking historical flood levels. Over 150 swift water rescues, including evacuations, were made. The ability to perform thorough damage assessments has been hampered by access to areas, the safety of damage assessment teams, and stretched local capacity due to ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.”
“Since the initial request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration, additional impacts have been revealed now that post-storm assessments are taking place,” they continued. “This amended expedited Major Disaster Declaration would ensure the availability of key federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this destructive storm event.”
Expedited Major Disaster Declarations are granted for catastrophes of unusual severity and magnitude when field damage assessments are not feasible or may not be necessary to determine the requirement for supplemental federal assistance. The Administration’s approval of a declaration would provide a surge of federal resources and support, allowing Virginia to more quickly respond to and recover from the direct and indirect consequences caused by Hurricane Helene.
A copy of today’s letter can be found here and below.
Dear President Trump:
We write to express our strong support for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s amended Major Disaster Declaration request for the Commonwealth of Virginia due to the ongoing impacts of February Winter Storms. An expedited Major Disaster Declaration is necessary due to the widespread flooding and damage to Southwest Virginia, which is still recovering from historic destruction caused by Hurricane Helene last fall. This amended request includes additional localities impacted by recent storms that had preliminary damage assessments delayed due to ongoing response, debris, high water, and snowstorms.
On February 10, 2025, Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in advance of February Winter Storms. Following widespread impacts throughout Southwest Virginia, Governor Younkin requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration on February 16, 2025. This request included Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Buchanan, Dickenson, and Tazewell counties and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance statewide. On February 26, 2025, Governor Youngkin submitted an amended expedited Major Disaster Declaration request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance that included the following additional localities and counties: Bland, Giles, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, and Wise.
As these winter storms and flooding moved inland, over seven inches of rain fell in some areas of Southwest Virginia with significant life-threatening flash flooding across some of Virginia’s most vulnerable and least resourced areas. Unfortunately, this storm has resulted in at least four fatalities, caused significant damage to regional infrastructure, left over 203,000 customers without power at its peak, caused over 270 road closures including low water bridges and road washouts, resulted in multiple 9-1-1 center outages. The towns of Grundy and Hurley (Buchanan County) experienced catastrophic flooding, with the river gauges in these towns spiking historical flood levels. Over 150 swift water rescues, including evacuations, were made. The ability to perform thorough damage assessments has been hampered by access to areas, the safety of damage assessment teams, and stretched local capacity due to ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
Since the initial request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration, additional impacts have been revealed now that post-storm assessments are taking place. This amended expedited Major Disaster Declaration would ensure the availability of key federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this destructive storm event. Significant federal assistance is needed in Southwest Virginia to help our constituents who are already recovering from the widespread damage of Hurricane Helene, which was the most significant disaster in the Commonwealth in over a decade. It is important to note this is the fifth major flood in this area in the past five years.
We thank you for your consideration of Governor Youngkin’s request for an amended expedited Major Disaster Declaration and request you act expeditiously to approve this designation to ensure the Commonwealth has the resources available to support our constituents following this tragic storm event. We look forward to working with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant federal agencies to support the Commonwealth of Virginia’s disaster response efforts.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced legislation to formally designate the Blue Ridge Music Center’s outdoor amphitheater the “Rick Boucher Amphitheater” after former Rep. Rick Boucher.
“We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Boucher’s commitment to public service, and his continued work for Southwest Virginia,” the senators said. “We can think of no better way to honor his years of public service than by dedicating this treasured music center, which he championed during his years in office, after him.”
Former Rep. Boucher, an Abingdon native, represented Southwest Virginia’s ninth congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2011. Rep. Boucher was an early supporter of the development of the Blue Ridge Music Center and continued to advocate for the project throughout his tenure. He also served as the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality while in Congress.
Located in Galax, VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center is home to a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, indoor interpretive center, and the Roots of American Music Museum, which highlights the historical significance of the region’s musical culture. The museum was featured in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Free Museums in the United States for 2025. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by the National Park Service with musical programming coordinated through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. On August 25, 2022, Sen. Kaine toured the center and performed at Midday Mountain Music.
The legislation previously passed the Senate on December 23, 2022 but did not pass the House of Representatives before the end of the 117th Congress.
Full text of the legislation is available here.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $540,000 in federal funding for Floyd County to expand high-speed broadband in the region. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
“This project perfectly highlights the good that federal funding does for our communities,” said the senators. “This funding will bring broadband to Floyd County, expanding job opportunities, boosting the local economy, and supporting individual households. Despite illegal attempts from the Trump administration to sabotage federal funding, including for broadband, public safety, roads and bridges, and more, we will continue to fight for projects like this.”
Specifically, the funding will go towards the Citizens Telephone Cooperative for the Citizens Industrial Park Broadband Expansion Project. As a result of this project, 26,400 linear feet of middle mile broadband network will be constructed to serve 285 businesses with 10Gbps speeds.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have been outspoken about the harm that President Trump’s funding freeze would have had on Virginians and Virginia businesses. Last week, the senators called out President Trump’s order as illegal and costly, less than 48 hours after it was originally issued, the order was blocked by federal courts, and rescinded by the administration.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced $26,250,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Lee County Sewer Improvements Project. The funding was awarded courtesy of the disaster relief package that the lawmakers pushed for and passed in December 2024 as part of legislation to fund the government.
“High-quality water infrastructure is crucial to the health and well-being of our communities,” said the lawmakers. “We’re thrilled to have helped secure this substantial funding for Lee County that will modernize and expand public wastewater collection for the region.”
The project, which has received critical support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide wastewater service to hundreds of households and over 1,000 residents in Lee County, Virginia. The project will also serve as the basis for expansion of Lincoln Memorial University, which is an integral driver of the region’s economy.
This funding proved more urgently needed in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The storm caused significant damage to wastewater infrastructure across Southwest Virginia. This project will help to ensure that the community’s wastewater systems are better protected against future disaster events.
The lawmakers have been longtime supporters of this project. Sens. Warner and Kaine requested funding for the project as part of Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, and earlier this month, the lawmakers wrote to the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to request funding for this project made available by the December 2024 funding bill.
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Warner & Kaine Announce Over $46 Million to Support Virginia's Recovery Following Hurricane Helene
Jan 07 2025
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $46,670,000 in federal funding to support disaster recovery efforts in Virginia following Hurricane Helene. The funding, which the senators pushed for, was part of the disaster relief package that passed to fund the government. The funding is allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program, which provides flexible funding to support long-term recovery efforts in impacted communities, including restoration of public infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and funding for job training, workforce development, and loans and grants to support economic revitalization and local businesses.
“We’ve both visited Southwest Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene to hear directly from those impacted by the storm—and rebuilding those communities remains a top priority,” said the senators. “We were glad to secure these resources in the end-of-year package because this flexible funding is going to be critical to helping communities rebuild where it’s most needed. We will continue to support individuals across Southwest Virginia as they build back their homes, businesses, and communities.”
Warner and Kaine have been vocal advocates for significant federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and both met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia to tour damage and discuss federal support. They voted to pass short-term government funding legislation that included $110 billion in disaster relief for communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton after repeatedly urging Congress to act. Last October, the senators successfully urged the Biden Administration to submit a supplemental funding request to cover the costs associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton and successfully secured robust disaster relief funding for public lands and federal lands in Southwest Virginia.
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Warner & Kaine Announce $1.3 Million to Assess and Plan for Clean-Up Efforts From Helene-Related Damages
Dec 11 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,300,000 in federal funding to assess damages and make plans to restore outdoor recreation sites impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding will evaluate sites across 17 counties and four independent cities, including the Creeper Trail, the Clinch and New River boat ramps, and other key trails, campgrounds, parks, bridges, and trestles.
“Virginia’s parks, trails, and public spaces make our Commonwealth beautiful and contribute immeasurably to local economies,” the senators said. “We’re glad that this federal funding is going towards assessing the terrible damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. We’re also pushing as hard as we can for a full disaster aid bill to fund additional projects to restore our parks and public spaces and meet the many additional needs of impacted communities across Southwest Virginia.”
Many outdoor recreation sites were severely damaged during the flooding from Hurricane Helene, which has suppressed tourism and other critical economic development projects for local economies across Southwest Virginia. This funding will go towards assessing damages in Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties, as well as the independent cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have been staunch advocates for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Sen. Warner recently celebrated passage of legislation he cosponsored to get a tax break for Southwest Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Sen. Warner also led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter, which Sen. Kaine signed, calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Sen. Warner also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and Sens. Warner and Kaine pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. Together, Sens. Warner and Kaine have directly pushed on Senate leadership to pass this disaster supplemental as soon as possible. At the outset of the flooding, Sens. Warner and Kaine also urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia to tour damage and discuss federal support.
The funding is made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal agency that focuses on the 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) applauded the congressional passage of legislation he cosponsored to provide tax relief for individuals affected by storms in Southwest Virginia.
“Since my time as governor of the Commonwealth, I’ve fought for the people of Southwest Virginia, who are too often overlooked. I’m proud to see the full Congress vote to approve legislation I cosponsored to provide tax relief for those struggling under the weight of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. I will keep doing everything I can at the federal level to pass a full disaster relief package and support Southwest Virginians affected by severe weather events,” said Sen. Warner.
Specifically, the provision cosponsored by Sen. Warner would allow taxpayers to fully deduct qualified disaster casualty losses that exceed $500 and are attributable to federally-declared disasters beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending 60 days following the date of enactment.
In Southwest Virginia, many families affected by Hurricane Helene are facing massive out-of-pocket costs due to not having flood insurance or adequate homeowner’s insurance. This measure will provide needed assistance to those families in particular, allowing them to deduct nearly the full cost of those losses from their taxes and receive speedy assistance in the form of larger refunds during tax season. Currently, taxpayers can deduct losses only when those combined losses exceed 10 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.
The Warner-sponsored provision passed as part of a broader tax package designed to provide tax relief for Americans impacted by recent natural disasters, including various hurricanes and wildfires. This package now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.
Sen. Warner has been a staunch advocate for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Most recently, he led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). He has also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. In November, Sen. Warner also spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to Damascus, a community along the heavily-impacted Creeper Trail, and the long road to recovery to get the trail operational and support the communities and businesses that rely on it.
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Washington — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in sending a letter to Senate leadership urging both chambers of Congress to bring a robust supplemental appropriations bill to the floor during the first week of December to provide relief to those impacted by Hurricanes Helen and Milton.
“As Senators representing states that were devastated by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, we urge you to swiftly respond to the Biden Administration’s supplemental funding request. The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) request for $98 billion in supplemental disaster appropriations is an important first step toward securing the assistance our communities need,” they wrote. “We are encouraged that the Senate Committee on Appropriations held a hearing with key federal agencies on November 20th to review disaster funding needs. The message was clear: disaster relief cannot wait any longer. We urge you to bring a robust supplemental appropriations bill to the floor the first week of December.”
“Across the Southeastern United States, Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused $250 billion in damages, and Hurricane Milton is expected to have caused $50 billion in damages. Tragically, approximately 261 people lost their lives as a result of both hurricanes…Our constituents need immediate help as they work to rebuild their homes and communities. We have delayed too long already. We therefore request that Congress act immediately to provide for those in need. We stand ready to pass a supplemental disaster relief bill the first week of December,” they continued.
Warner and Kaine have continuously advocated for Virginians to receive full access to the resources they need to recover from Hurricane Helene. They successfully advocated for President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Earlier this month, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden requesting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) send the supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support communities that were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Following their request, President Biden sent a $98 billion in supplemental disaster appropriations request to Congress. That request was revised to include funding to address recovery efforts on Virginia’s public lands. In October, they also sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra urging continued action to address the critical intravenous (IV) fluid shortage affecting hospitals across the nation. This shortage was caused by the temporary closure of Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Carolina due to flooding from the hurricane. Earlier this week, Kaine reintroduced the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act, legislation that would streamline the housing assistance process to make it easier for people in communities affected by natural disasters to access financial support.
Full text of the letter is available here.
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Warner, Tillis, Colleagues Push for Public Lands Support in Supplemental Disaster Funding Package
Nov 26 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leadership requesting that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene, include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS).
“When Hurricane Helene brought torrential rainfall and severe winds through our states in late September, catastrophic flooding resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage,” the lawmakers wrote. “Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were devastated as many communities were left without power, potable water, and cell service – some remain without these critical resources to this day. While thousands of our constituents are beginning to rebuild their lives, many of these communities are simultaneously contending with the fallout that large segments of federally owned public lands that anchor these local economies are closed, not fully opened, or are simply inaccessible to visitors due to Hurricane Helene’s destruction.”
In addition to Warner and Tillis, the letter was signed by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ted Budd (R-NC) and U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC.)
The lawmakers continued, “Public lands are critical economic engines for many of our communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. For example, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited national park in the U.S. which spans 469 miles through Southwest Virginia and North Carolina, serves as the primary driver of economic activity for many of the communities in Helene’s path. In 2023, the Parkway saw over 16.7 million visitors who spent nearly $1.4 billion in surrounding communities. Visitor spending connected to the Parkway supports over 19,000 jobs in communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina and results in a cumulative economic impact of $1.8 billion to local economies. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway that has resulted in indefinite closures of large segments of the roadway and many trails and historical sites. Substantial federal funding is needed for the Parkway to rebuild its infrastructure to support the millions of visitors the park hosts each year, which supports dozens of Appalachian communities.”
Sen. Warner has been vocal about the need for federal resources to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Last week, he welcomed the Biden administration’s request for disaster relief funding, but highlighted the need for additional funding for public lands like the Creeper Trail in Southwest Virginia. Immediately following Hurricane Helene, Sen. Warner, joined by Sen. Kaine and Rep. Griffith, urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia, which opened various avenues for financial and physical assistance to help the region recover. Sens. Warner and Tillis, as well as Sen. Kaine, also joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to meet the needs of Virginians and the millions of Americans affected by the storm.
Full text of the letter is available here.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the announcement that Microporous LLC will invest $1.35 billion to build a new manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite, which is managed by Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville. This will create 2,015 new jobs. With support from Warner and Kaine, Microporous received $100 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators voted to pass, to support the construction of the new facility. The facility is also eligible for additional federal incentives because it falls within an area designated that has been designated an “energy community” by the Inflation Reduction Act, which both senators cast deciding votes for.
“Microporous’ selection of Pittsylvania County is a massive win for Southside and the entire Commonwealth,” said Warner. “This investment was made possible in part by a $100 million award courtesy of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I was proud to help negotiate. This new manufacturing facility will not only create over 2,000 good-paying jobs but will also help to continue to position Virginia as the advanced manufacturing hub of the United States. I look forward to welcoming Microporous to the Commonwealth and to working together for years to come.”
“I’m thrilled that Microporous is receiving federal funding I helped secure from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build a facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite in Pittsylvania County, creating over 2,000 jobs and growing the region’s economy,” said Kaine. “This is a testament to years of hard work and collaboration, including working in a bipartisan way to address permitting challenges at economic development sites in Southside. With major federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and smart moves to cut red tape, it’s clear our work is paying off. I look forward to continuing to partner with the company and local stakeholders to ensure Microporous’ success in Virginia.”
Warner and Kaine long worked to lay the foundation for economic development at the Southern Virginia Megasite. Previously, the senators worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and led bipartisan efforts, including permitting reform legislation, to address permitting issues that were early impediments to the Megasite’s development as a competitive site. The senators have also worked to expand clean energy manufacturing through the Inflation Reduction Act, which included provisions and tax credits to incentivize investments in clean energy, including set-aside benefits for communities like Berry Hill that qualify as energy communities.
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President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden wave to members of Fauquier County’s Canine Companions for Independence during the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a special message encouraging groups throughout Virginia to apply for participation in the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade, which will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
“Presidential inaugurations are not just symbolic ceremonies – they are an instrument of democracy by which we execute the peaceful transfer of power in this country,” said Sen. Warner. “I encourage Virginia’s talented entities – including our many marching bands, floats, and equestrian groups – to take part in this time-honored tradition, dating back when President Jefferson rode his horse from the Capitol to the President's House in a procession that would become the Inaugural Parade we know today.”
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) Parade Coordinator Office is now accepting applications through December 4, 2024 for the 60th Inaugural Parade. The JTF-NCR is responsible for collecting and organizing all 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade applications, which are then reviewed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), a group tasked with organizing all Inaugural events at the discretion of the President-Elect.
In 2017, the parade consisted of 48 non-Department of Defense elements chosen from 141 applications. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to review the parade application guide before registering for an account, which can be done HERE.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,192,538 in federal funding to support projects across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
“We’re glad to continue delivering for Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “This funding will help the region continue to grow, expand job opportunities, and help those who are struggling with substance use disorder access resources they need in their recovery.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $1,692,538 to support Appalachian Sustainable Development for Groundwork. The funding will provide training and technical assistance needed to boost Appalachia's agriculture workforce. The funding will support 240 businesses and 182 workers/trainees. The funding will support agriculture entrepreneurs, providing organizations and trainees resources to engage and grow their businesses.
- $500,000 for the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board - Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion. The funding will directly expand access to recovery resources as well as assist those in recovery with job placement and retention.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC. Earlier this week, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced over $2 million in federal funding for Southwest Virginia courtesy of ARC.
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Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Additional Funding for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery
Oct 18 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in urging the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that will fully cover the costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families. In a bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the senators highlighted the hardships facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these storms and the need for full, uninterrupted federal support to restore and rebuild these communities.
“We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,” wrote the senators.
“Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,” concluded the lawmakers.
Warner and Kaine have been vocal regarding the need for federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, they successfully advocated for President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. The senators also joined their colleagues earlier this month in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm. They additionally sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging action to address intravenous (IV) fluids supply challenges impacting the wellbeing of patients and health care workers’ ability to provide care.
Read the full letter to President Biden here and below:
Dear President Biden,
As the Southeastern United States continues to respond to life-threatening conditions in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the sheer scope of the destruction from these hurricanes is heartbreaking. We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s coast as a Category 4 storm on September 27 before devastating communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with 228 being confirmed to date. Hurricane Milton struck Florida on October 9, bringing life-threatening storm surges and wind gusts and causing 24 deaths to date.
We are immensely grateful to first responders and federal workers as they perform life-saving work. However, the task of recovering from these storms has overwhelmed state and local governments. Federal support will be needed to restore and rebuild our communities.
While the recovery costs are still being determined, estimates of Hurricane Helene’s damage range from $34 billion to $47 billion. Hurricane Milton is likewise expected to cost billions more in damages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will require significant additional funding to ensure it has the resources it needs for Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery, and additional federal funding will be required to support states and federal agencies’ emergency response efforts. Likewise, as communities begin to rebuild, uninterrupted access to key disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is imperative. Agricultural producers will also need financial assistance to help them recover from yet another natural disaster that is further compounding their already tenuous economic situation, and small businesses will need support to help cover the damage to their livelihoods and rebuild, so they can reopen their doors to communities.
Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost.
Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters.
Sincerely,
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Warner and Kaine Announce over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Projects in Southwest Virginia
Oct 16 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,069,443 in federal funding to boost economic development across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which provides funding to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
“We’re glad this funding will continue to create new jobs and spur economic development in communities across Southwest Virginia,” said the Senators. “These investments will help ensure that rural communities have the infrastructure to bring new opportunities to the region.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $1,319,443 to support the Central Appalachia Broadband Transport Infrastructure Improvements Project in Lee and Wise counties, as well as Claiborne and Hancock counties in Tennessee. The funding will be used to develop two data centers in Central Appalachia, creating 40 permanent technology jobs.
- $750,000 for the Friends of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, VA. The funding will go towards assessing the economic impact of Friends of Southwest Virginia projects, including the Crooked Road, the Appalachian Spring Outdoor Recreation initiative, and Round the Mountain Artisan Network, in order to inform future community development projects.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The draft of the Fiscal Year 2025 government funding package, which the Senators are working to pass, includes $200 million for ARC.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) welcomed the approval of Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. The lawmakers wrote a letter urging President Biden to approve this request to surge federal resources to impacted areas and help Virginia more quickly respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
“I’m glad to see President Biden step in and approve the Commonwealth’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the heartbreaking destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. This declaration opens the door to various avenues for assistance to help the region recover. As Southwest Virginia continues to hurt, I’m going to be pushing for Congress to pass needed disaster supplemental funding as soon as possible,” said Sen. Warner.
“I’m grateful President Biden approved Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following our bipartisan advocacy. This declaration will bring more federal support to the impacted areas,” said Sen. Kaine. “Over the past few days, I’ve visited residents, business owners, local officials, and first responders in Southwest Virginia and seen firsthand the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. I’m committed to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to help these communities recover.”
“The impacts of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia have been devastating,” said Rep. Griffith. “I appreciate Governor Youngkin working tirelessly to support disaster relief efforts, and I will continue to work alongside Senators Warner and Kaine to bring more relief to the region.”
This Expedited Major Disaster Declaration grants emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs for impacted areas. Under this declaration, Individual Assistance is made available for the counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe, and the City of Galax. Individual Assistance provides financial support and direct services for eligible individuals and households impacted by a disaster. Public Assistance for all categories is made available for the counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford. Public Assistance provides resources to local governments for eligible response and recovery work, such as repairing roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, and public utilities. Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance was also granted statewide, which will help keep Virginians safe from future floods.
Warner, Kaine, and Griffith continue to track Hurricane Helene’s devastation and advocate for Southwest Virginia at the federal level. The senators and Griffith wrote to President Biden in support of Virginia’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia – a request that was approved on Sunday. Yesterday, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues in urging Congress to quickly pass disaster relief legislation. On Monday and Tuesday, Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.
“The devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable…Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,” the senators wrote.
“Even preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,” the senators continued.
“Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm,” the senators concluded.
Text of the full letter is available here.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) alongside Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) wrote a letter to President Biden formally requesting the approval of Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. If approved, this request would grant emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs for the impacted areas.
Specifically, Virginia requested Individual Assistance for the counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wythe, and the City of Galax, and Public Assistance for all categories for the counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
The Governor also requested Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance statewide.
“We write today to express our strong support for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” wrote the lawmakers. “An expedited Major Disaster Declaration is necessary due to the severity and widespread damages caused by this storm in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary damage assessments are not possible in many areas of Southwest Virginia currently as rescue operations are still in progress, lodging is limited, and infrastructure is damaged in many areas preventing access to certain communities.”
“An expedited Major Disaster Declaration would ensure the availability of key federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this devastating storm event,” they continued. “Significant federal assistance is needed in Southwest Virginia to help our constituents recover from this historic and destructive storm, which is the most significant disaster in the Commonwealth in over a decade.”
Expedited Major Disaster Declarations are granted for catastrophes of unusual severity and magnitude when field damage assessments are not feasible or may not be necessary to determine the requirement for supplemental federal assistance. The Administration’s approval of a declaration would provide a surge of federal resources and support, allowing Virginia to more quickly respond to and recover from the direct and indirect consequences caused by Hurricane Helene.
Sens. Warner and Kaine and Rep. Griffith continue to track Hurricane Helene’s devastation and advocate for Southwest Virginia at the federal level. Today’s request comes after the Senators and Rep. Griffith wrote to President Biden in support of Virginia’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia – a request that was approved on Sunday.
A copy of today’s letter can be found here and below.
Dear President Biden:
We write today to express our strong support for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. An expedited Major Disaster Declaration is necessary due to the severity and widespread damages caused by this storm in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary damage assessments are not possible in many areas of Southwest Virginia currently as rescue operations are still in progress, lodging is limited, and infrastructure is damaged in many areas preventing access to certain communities.
Specifically, the Governor has requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the following communities:
Individual Assistance for the Counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wythe, and the City of Galax.
Public Assistance for All Categories for the Counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe, and the Cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
In addition, the Governor has requested statewide Hazard Mitigation Program assistance.
On September 25, 2024, Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in anticipation of the impacts of Hurricane Helene. On September 28, 2024, Governor Youngkin requested an Emergency Declaration for Virginia, which was granted on September 29, 2024. We appreciate the prompt approval of the Emergency Declaration as the Commonwealth continues to deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
This catastrophic storm event has produced devastating rainfall throughout Southwest Virginia, which has exceeded 12 inches in several areas. This torrential rainfall has resulted in destructive flooding throughout the region creating dangerous storm surges and a historic flood crest on the New River. The storm caused over 300 road closures, including the washout of bridges and roadways. Currently, there are two confirmed storm-related fatalities. At the peak of the storm, over 200,000 Virginians were without electricity – primarily concentrated in Southwest Virginia. The loss of power has resulted in a lack of running water and other critical infrastructure, which has created an incredibly dangerous situation in the region for our constituents.
An expedited Major Disaster Declaration would ensure the availability of key federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this devastating storm event. Significant federal assistance is needed in Southwest Virginia to help our constituents recover from this historic and destructive storm, which is the most significant disaster in the Commonwealth in over a decade.
We thank you for your consideration of Governor Youngkin’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration and request you act expeditiously to approve this designation for Virginia to ensure the Commonwealth has the resources available to support our constituents following this tragic storm event. We look forward to working with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant federal agencies to support the Commonwealth of Virginia’s disaster response efforts.
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