Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 4, 1993 TAG: 9309040220
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"FEMA assured me that a brand new review team will be sent to Petersburg to reassess the damage," Robb, D-Va., said after what he described as a lengthy afternoon meeting with federal officials in Washington.
In a letter Tuesday, FEMA denied the state's request to declare Petersburg a disaster area. The agency said that although the Aug. 6 tornadoes that roared through central Virginia placed a significant burden on the region, "the impact does not appear to exceed the combined capabilities and resources of both the state and local governments."
State and local officials estimated there was at least $50 million of damage in 19 localities affected by the twisters.
Robb said William Tidball, FEMA's chief of staff, told him Friday that he would assign a new review team to visit Southside Virginia. The state Department of Emergency Services will meet Tuesday with local government officials in the area to put together the state's formal appeal, Robb said.
The senator also said he had received word from the U.S. Department of Labor that it would help some workers dislocated by the twisters by creating 41 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and restoration.
Meantime, Gov. Douglas Wilder said Friday that President Clinton has pledged to play a role in a review of FEMA's denial of disaster relief.
Wilder said he spoke by telephone Thursday night with Clinton about FEMA's rejection of Virginia's request. The president pledged to review the matter, call FEMA and get back in touch with Wilder, the governor said.
by CNB