Griffith Announces $1.3 Million DOT Grant for Helene Relief

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Eastern Federal Lands Division. The funding breakdown of the grant is as follows:

• $1,300,000 to support infrastructure repairs and replacement activities at George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

"Hurricane Helene's destruction impacted Ninth District federal lands, including two of Virginia's largest national forests, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. These forests cover vast swaths of Virginia's Ninth District from Craig County to Damascus.

"This DOT grant for $1.3 million helps the Eastern Federal Lands Division manage infrastructure repairs and restore local community access to these national forests."

BACKGROUND

The Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program is responsible for the disbursement of these funds.

In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.

In April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.

In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.

In July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.

In July 2026, Congressman Griffith celebrated more than $7.3 million in federal funding for Helene relief projects in Southwest Virginia.

Additionally, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.2 million in Helene relief for recovery projects in Tazewell County.

In August 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.4 million in Helene relief for Washington County Service Authority management costs.

In September 2026, Congressman Griffith announced $160,000 in Helene relief for the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission.

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