(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump approved Virginia’s request for a major disaster declaration, providing federal aid to areas in Southwest Virginia affected by recent severe flooding and winter storms.

Over seven inches of rain caused catastrophic flooding in Southwest Virginia in early February, triggering over 150 water rescues, massive infrastructure damage and widespread power outages—especially in towns like Grundy and Hurley in Buchanan County. Dickenson County and parts of Tazewell County were also affected.

The declaration unlocks public assistance for infrastructure repairs and recovery efforts, such as rebuilding roads, bridges and public facilities.

The storm knocked out power for more than 200,000 customers and closed over 270 roads across the region.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin emphasized Virginia’s additional effort to provide immediate aid beyond what the federal government is offering, highlighting in a press release the $50 million budget amendment his administration introduced to expand disaster relief funding for the region.

The amendment is designed to help local governments meet federal cost-share requirements and support projects to repair homes, rebuild private bridges and deliver direct relief to those impacted.

“We will continue to seek every recovery resource necessary to support Virginians that have been adversely impacted by these storms,” Youngkin said.

“I committed to assist those with immediate needs to ensure the health and safety of survivors and we will continue our efforts to seek opportunities to rebuild these communities. With the federal public assistance, the existing HUD funds and the substantial commitment in the agreed upon state budget amendment there are significant resources to support recovery for these Virginians who have suffered from these storms.”  

The newly approved funding will bridge gaps left by delays in federal programs, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance program, which had not been approved at the time of the announcement.

Youngkin has argued that FEMA’s eligibility formulas for individual assistance unfairly disadvantage Virginia, particularly rural areas such as Buchanan County, which will often not meet population or density thresholds.

He said FEMA Administrator Director Cameron Hamilton has committed to reviewing those formulas.

“I proposed expanding eligibility for the $50 million in Southwest disaster assistance funding to cover the recent winter storm flood and cover local match requirements for federal dollars,” Youngkin said, thanking the General Assembly and the Southwest Virginia delegation for their support.

The proposed budget amendment was approved on April 3. Lawmakers included the measure in a package of amendments passed during the General Assembly’s 2025 reconvened session. It ensures that state resources will begin flowing quickly to communities still waiting on federal aid.

The announcement creates a layered approach to disaster recovery with federal assistance covering infrastructure, and the commonwealth will fill the urgent funding gaps.