Louisa, Virginia, Quake Victims Advised to Appeal Aid Denials

Local and federal officials are telling Louisa County earthquake victims to not give up if they’ve been denied federal disaster assistance.

Residents who registered for assistance due to the Aug. 23 earthquake can appeal the denials. They also can apply for aid from the Louisa Earthquake Recovery Fund.

The fund provides money to earthquake victims who have been denied grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

Federal coordinating officer Don Keldsen tells The Daily Progress that a finding of ineligibility in some cases could simply mean more information is needed.

Louisa County was the epicenter of the magnitude-5.8 earthquake. FEMA initially denied Virginia’s request for assistance, but reversed the decision after Gov. Bob McDonnell appealed.