WASHINGTON, DC -- Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA) are urging Governor Bob McDonnell to request FEMA assistance and funds for Virginia families affected by contaminated drywall.
They sent a letter to McDonnell on Monday.
McDonnell spokeswoman Taylor Thornley said Tuesday, "We appreciate the Senators’ support of the Governor’s efforts on this matter. This is a major problem for homeowners in the state, particularly in Hampton Roads, and we are looking at every possibly way by which we can help those who have been negatively impacted."
Earlier this month, the state created the Taskforce on Defective Drywall following Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng's tour of problem homes in Newport News in February. The group is tasked with forming a cohesive, coordinated state response to the federal government during their determination of potential federal action.
The taskforce's first meeting should be sometime in early April.
Many families in Hampton Roads claim Chinese drywall has made them sick or ruined wiring in their homes, forcing some of them to move out.
Thorney says many state agencies are monitoring the situation, including the Department of Health, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance and Attorney General’s Office.
The Department of Housing and Community Development has issued guidance to local building officials on how the issue can be handled through the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
