Press Releases

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

 

• $160,000 to the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update

 

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

 

“Two years into recovery from Hurricane Helene, local authorities continue to investigate disaster vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.

 

“This FEMA grant for $160,000 helps the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission assess regional hazard mitigation strategies, tools and resources.”

 

BACKGROUND

 

The LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves Ninth District localities, including the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise as well as the City of Norton.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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