FEMA denied Florence disaster reimbursement for 6 localities

Posted: Nov 29, 2018 / 01:55 PM EST

Updated: Nov 29, 2018 / 02:28 PM EST

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Hurricane Florence recovery help to six municipalities which applied for assistance. FEMA sites did not meet eligibility requirements for the decision.

FEMA employees said the six localities not eligible for help include Accomack County, Charlotte County, Powhatan County, Surry County, York County, and the city of Portsmouth.

In order to qualify, the municipality must have damages exceeding $1.50 per Virginia citizen and $3.78 per county citizen to get reimbursement.

“While it is disappointing that these six localities are ineligible for this federal aid, VDEM and other state agency partners will continue working closely with these localities to support the recovery process from this storm,” said VDEM State Coordinator Jeff Stern. “We will work with the localities to determine if any additional costs have been overlooked that may make us eligible to appeal the decision to FEMA.”

More details about the six denied localities are included below:

Accomack County: Accomack County government, Department of Military Affairs, State Police and VDOT submitted initial damage assessments. However, the cost reported by VDOT for damage to a bridge could not be included as it was determined that the damage was not caused by Hurricane Florence. This dropped the jurisdiction below its per capita requirement.

Charlotte County: State Police and VDOT submitted initial damage assessments. After inspecting damages reported by VDOT to roads and bridges, the costs came in lower than initially estimated. This dropped the jurisdiction below its per capita.

Portsmouth: Portsmouth City government, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department of Military Affairs, and the Port Authority submitted initial damage assessments. The joint FEMA/VDEM team reviewed all submitted cost estimates by the city but after review for eligibility, several costs decreased, dropping the jurisdiction below its per capita.

Powhatan County: Department of Military Affairs, VDOT, VDEM and Department of Corrections submitted initial damage assessments. The initial estimated costs reported by Corrections for debris removal were higher than actual projected costs. This dropped the jurisdiction below its per capita.

Surry County: Surry County government and State Police submitted initial damage assessments. The initial costs estimates submitted by the county included both eligible and ineligible costs. After removing ineligible costs, this jurisdiction dropped below its per capita.

York County: York County government, State Police, VDOT and VDEM submitted initial damage assessments. The joint FEMA/VDEM team reviewed all submitted cost estimates but after review for eligibility, this jurisdiction dropped below its per capita.

Eligible communities for reimbursement include:

Counties of: