Griffith Announces Nearly $1.3 Million for Tazewell County Helene Relief

Monday, July 20, 2026 | W. P. Jackson Krug (202-225-3861)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Hurricane Helene-related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

  • $715,795 for Bluefield University to lead interior and exterior site repairs 
  • $429,270 for Virginia Department of Transportation to repair damaged guard rails and culverts in Tazewell County 
  • $143,118 for Town of Richlands to deliver improved access route to local community

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

 

“Many communities in Tazewell County were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Helene damages resulted in needed repairs for Bluefield University and improvements to local road infrastructure.

 

“These grants for nearly $1.3 million help with recovery efforts in Tazewell County.”

 

BACKGROUND

 

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

 

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.

 

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