Press Releases

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:

• $1,369,318 to Smyth County
• $745,319 to Washington County
• $728,017 Grayson County

These FEMA grants, worth $2,842,654, support repairment projects for local roads, road armoring, base, surfaces, culverts, road embankments, gabion stone, rip rap, shoulders and asphalt.

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

“Hurricane Helene destruction to Southwest Virginia road infrastructure created severe driving hazards, limited access and worsened road conditions for local communities. 

“These FEMA grants for more than $2.8 million help local authorities improve road conditions in Grayson, Smyth and Washington Counties.

“I will continue to ensure that our region receives opportunities for federal disaster relief resources.”

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.

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