Warner & Kaine Announce Over $1.7 Million To Rebuild Infrastructure Following Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,790,000 in federal funding to support disaster recovery efforts in Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This funding, which was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Virginia Department of Transportation, will be used to repair a public access bridge along Route 859 that suffered damage during the storm. The funding is allocated by FEMA's Public Assistance Program, which provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters.

"Hurricane Helene was devastating for many communities throughout the Commonwealth," said the senators. "We're glad that there's been significant progress to repair critical infrastructure and recover from the hurricane, and this funding will continue to support these efforts. We will keep working to ensure Southwest Virginia communities can access the resources they need to rebuild."

Warner and Kaine have helped advocate for and secure significant federal resources to support Virginia's recovery from Hurricane Helene, including $240 million for the Creeper Trail, $60.9 million for farmers, and over $46 million in HUD funding for infrastructure, homes, and businesses. In the aftermath of the hurricane, both senators met with Virginians impacted by the storm to tour damage and discuss federal support. Kaine has also been back to Damascus several times since the hurricane to get an update on the rebuilding of the Creeper Trail and other infrastructure in the region.

###