ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – This week, President Biden asked Congress for nearly $100 billion in disaster relief, as Southwest Virginia and other communities are still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
President Biden’s request includes billions for FEMA, infrastructure repairs, and aid to farmers and small businesses.
Senators Kaine and Warner are also working to ensure southwest Virginia’s unique needs are prioritized.
His nearly $100 billion proposal allocates $40 billion to FEMA for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and survivor assistance.
But Democratic US Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner say they want to ensure Appalachia’s specific needs are met, particularly public lands and small businesses.
“The effects were dramatic on homes, on businesses, on public infrastructure, on public lands that then have an economic development effect on many of the communities in Appalachia,” said Kaine.
President Biden’s plan also includes $24 billion to assist farmers, $12 billion in block grants to help communities rebuild, $8 billion for highways and bridges, and $4 billion for water system upgrades. While Kaine says the package is robust, he believes one key piece is missing.
“We do need to include funding in this package for our public lands and park and forest assets. Because if we don’t, even if we include everything else, our local economy will get hurt,” said Kaine.
Public spaces like the Virginia Creeper Trail and New River Trail are vital to Southwest Virginia’s economy.
Now damaged by the storms, these trails will attract fewer visitors this year, impacting the vital support for small businesses that rely on tourism.
“Prime example is the Creeper Trail. Half of it was destroyed. We go a couple of seasons without the creeper trail open, you’re gonna have those businesses not be able to get through if they don’t get the small business loans they deserve,” said Warner.
Warner and Kaine are urging their colleagues in Congress to prioritize the region’s recovery. Both senators say ensuring funding for small businesses and public lands is essential to avoid long-term economic fallout.
“We’re going to fight like hell to make sure those businesses, those families, those communities get the assistance they need and they can build back stronger,” said Warner.
Senators Kaine and Warner are hopeful the disaster relief package will pass soon, but they say time is of the essence as communities across Southwest Virginia are depending on this aid to rebuild and recover.
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