Nor'easter damage assessments nearly done

NORFOLK -- Federal and city officials are wrapping up their asssessment of damage from last week's Nor'easter.

This morning, a city task force toured the beaches of Ocean View.

The high winds, rain and flooded damaged or destroyed homes, businesses and vehicles.

Norfolk officials say it was one of the worst storms in the city's history and that damage could reach $10 million.

Councilmen Randy Wright and Don Williams were joined by environmentalists and city maintenance crews.

Maria Johnson's backyard is completely washed away. The dunes are gone and several trees have been uprooted. She's glad to know the city wants to repair the damages.

Wright says drafting a plan of action is the next step but getting money to help residents wil lbe a challenge.

The next step is for FEMA to determine whether government money will help in the recovery.

"We're looking at overall damage of how many homes were actually damaged how many people have insurance, does it pose a threat to the community and the people that are living in the community as well," explained Jamilah Fraser with FEMA.

Late Friday afternoon, Kaine requested low-interest loans for homeowners and renters and funds for local governments to make repairs after last week's Nor'easter.

He said Virginia did not qualify for individual aid partly because 80% of the damage was covered by insurance.

Kaine asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to make emergency low-interest loans to homeowners and rents in Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Va. Beach. If approved, residents in neighboring localities would automatically be eligible to apply for loans.

A request to FEMA foir public assistance was made to cover costs of damage to public infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. The request also covers the counties of Isle of Wight, Surry, Northampton, Halifax and King and Queen.