WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) along with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) sent a bipartisan and bicameral letter to President Biden to express their strong support for Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam’s September 30th request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Buchanan County as a result of flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred August 30-31, 2021. The unincorporated area of Hurley in Buchanan County was severely damaged by extreme rainfall on August 30, 2021, resulting in 8-10 inches of rain, flash flooding, and landslides.

“On August 30, Virginia experienced damaging floods, heavy rainfall, and landslides that caused extensive damage in the Hurley area of Buchanan County. Many localities had ordered mandatory evacuations to prevent potential physical harm or loss of life,” wrote the Members.

“A major disaster declaration would ensure the full availability of federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this significant rainfall event,” continued the Members.

“Thank you for your consideration of Governor Northam’s request. We look forward to working with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the Commonwealth of Virginia has the resources available to support our constituents following this tragic natural disaster,” concluded the Members.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write today to express our strong support for Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Buchanan County as a result of flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred during the period of August 30-31, 2021. The Governor is specifically requesting Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Buchanan County and Hazard Mitigation for the entire Commonwealth.

On August 31, 2021, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency in Virginia in the wake of severe flooding and landslides caused by a significant rainfall event, which is projected to have lasting impacts on Buchanan County and the Commonwealth. On August 30, Virginia experienced damaging floods, heavy rainfall, and landslides that caused extensive damage in the Hurley area of Buchanan County. Many localities had ordered mandatory evacuations to prevent potential physical harm or loss of life. Governor Northam’s emergency declaration ensured a fully coordinated state response to support local recovery efforts.

A major disaster declaration would ensure the full availability of federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of this significant rainfall event.

Thank you for your consideration of Governor Northam’s request. We look forward to working with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the Commonwealth of Virginia has the resources available to support our constituents following this tragic natural disaster.

Sincerely,

###