$2.5M in Earthquake Aid Approved for Louisa County, Virginia

More than $2.5 million in grants have been approved this month for Louisa County homeowners hit by a powerful Aug. 23 earthquake and its aftershocks.

Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinating officer Donald Keldsen said Wednesday the amount of approved grants will grow as FEMA continues to respond to victims’ needs from the 5.8-magnitude quake. The grants don’t have to be repaid.

The earthquake was centered in Mineral.

FEMA initially denied Virginia’s request for assistance before Gov. Bob McDonnell appealed, accompanied by a letter from Virginia’s entire congressional delegation.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that state officials say those unable to work as a direct result of the earthquake and aftershocks also may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.