From The Caroline Progress
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved federal disaster assistance to help Caroline County and seven other local governments and the state to recover from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, state officials announced last week.
Gov. Bob McDonnell had requested federal aid to help the counties of Caroline, Essex, King and Queen, Westmoreland, Fairfax, Prince William and King George and the city of Alexandria. He sought aid under a federal program to help recover costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services.
Tropical Storm Lee caused heavy rain and flooding in Virginia Sept. 8-9. In Caroline, the storm caused widespread flooding. The Sparta Fire Station was damaged by flooding of Maracossic Creek, for example, and two roads were washed out.
"This federal disaster assistance will help many of our localities recover the significant costs associated with response and recovery efforts," said McDonnell in a statement issued by his office announcing the approval of federal aid on Thursday of last week. If sufficient damage information is collected, other localities could be added to the declaration.
Lee caused extensive and widespread impacts to public infrastructure, including road washouts, embankment failures, water and sewer breaks, flooding of pump stations, buildings and equipment, and erosion of low dams, trails and athletic fields. In addition, substantial debris was generated by the event, and localities used a variety of protective measures to protect lives and property.
Coming on the heels of Hurricane Irene with the ground already saturated in some areas, Tropical Storm Lee dumped torrential rain in some communities. It caused widespread flooding and resulted in five deaths.
FEMA also approved the Hazard Mitigation program for use statewide. The Hazard Mitigation program provides funds for projects sponsored by state and local governments that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.