RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Governor Glen Youngkin announced on Wednesday a Virginia and USDA block grant program designed to aid farmers and forestland owners who sustained damage due to Hurricane Helene.
Helene struck Virginia during September 2024, causing significant damages to people and property alike. An estimated 20 inches of now hit the southeastern part of Virginia and eastern North Carolina.
Helene poses threats to life, property in NC, Va.
The block grant program was authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025 (HR 10545 – 118th) and funding is expected to provide direct payment to eligible producers once federal funding is allocated to the state and once a state workplan is approved by USDA.
“Hurricane Helene left a lasting impact on Virginia’s agricultural and forestry communities, especially in Southwest and Southside, damaging infrastructure, destroying crops, and threatening the livelihoods of families, farms, and forestry operations across the region,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin…