The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Wednesday the approval of $2.7 million in individual assistance to nearby Louisa County to repair damages from the Aug. 23 earthquake which rattled the East Coast. The decision comes as a result of Gov. Bob McDonnell's appeal for funding last week after his initial request for aid was rejected.
The amount of money FEMA provides will continue to grow based on the needs of homeowners, said Laura Southard, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.\n"Individuals have already received the money and they are making repairs to their homes, [and] FEMA is going into homes to work with citizens to begin planning repairs," Southard said.
"Earthquake repairs are different than other repairs - buildings were shaken off of their foundations and to make these repairs is very costly and complicated."
Louisa was the epicenter of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake which destroyed many of the county's residential properties. Officials estimate the earthquake caused about $15 million in damages in Louisa.
"This is a good start for the community to get back on its feet - for people to be able to make necessary safety repairs on their homes and be able to live in them again," Southard said.
FEMA also approved funds to go toward school repair, Southard said, but the amount is pending because the damage to several schools is still being evaluated.
-compiled by Grace Hollis
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