Virginia Blizzard: Obama Approves Federal Aid

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Barack Obama signed a declaration Monday that makes Virginia eligible for federal disaster aid to help cover the costs of the January blizzard that paralyzed the Washington, D.C., region.

The Jan. 22-23 blizzard dumped up to 3 feet of snow on the East Coast, shutting down roads, schools, airports and workplaces. The president's order makes federal funds available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments "on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities" damaged by the storm, according to a White House statement.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will dole out the funds, which can cover at least 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged roads, bridges, schools and other public property.

FEMA also will provide funds to cover the costs of emergency measures to save lives and protect property, as well as snow removal efforts within 48 hours of the blizzard.

The White House did not say how much money will be avalable to Virginia. The FEMA funds also will be available to tribal governments and a number of private nonprofit groups in the commonwealth.

The localities eligible for federal disaster aid include the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester, and these Northern Virginia counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

Other eligible counties include Albemarle, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, King George, Louisa, Madison, Page, Patrick, Rappahannock and Warren.

Photo: Virginia State Police