This September, about one year after Hurricane Helene, $50 million is being made available from the state budget to help those injured by the hurricane, this past winter’s ice storm, and to help improve local resiliency to future disasters. Certainly, this is good news for those folks damaged by these storms, and who have been trying to put together their lives with limited government support. I read in last week’s paper that this is a “swift reaction time” for government funding. Personally, I have trouble with this positive spin on a year-long wait for help. Folks who lose everything need immediate help and can’t wait for politicians to figure out what they are going to do. If your house was destroyed, your business ruined, your crops lost, is it really a good thing that it took a year to be able to even apply for government help? Is this an example of government working at its finest?
Responding quickly to emergencies should be expected of local and state governments. Substantial federal aid will no longer be the norm. President Trump has said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could be eliminated as early as December 2025. It is unclear if this will really happen, but some important FEMA resources have already been cut (for example, the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to help states has been eliminated). Local and state resources, funded through local and state taxes, will become increasingly important in preparing for future disasters and responding when they occur.
The $50 million became available because of Virginia’s unexpectedly strong statewide economic performance in 2024 – we had a lot of money left over after paying our bills. It would be a surprise to everyone if we face a similar rosy economic situation going forward, as both the country’s and the state’s economic situation is not as good as in 2024 (inflation continues, unemployment increases, etc.). Virginia has lost its 2024 stature as the #1 ranking in business in CNBCs “Top States for Business,” dropping to #4 (our lowest rating since 2018). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 43,000 jobs lost in Virginia earlier this year. Tax revenues will be lower, and the need for services will increase. Realistically, this $50 million will be useful now, but late in arriving and not easily reproduced to meet future needs.
Although we have an updated New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan, we have no easy way to fund its recommended actions. Important to remember is that 1) the number and magnitude of disasters affecting us locally is expected to increase, 2) federal disaster aid is decreasing, 3) the economy is not doing well, with tax revenue not expected to repeat the windfall excess of last year, and 4) at least one of our local elected officials believes that a one-year response in helping folks hurt by a disaster is a swift response. As we enjoy this beautiful late summer weather, let’s remember that mother nature is not always this kind.
