Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2012
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Email: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov
Statement of Governor McDonnell After FEMA Awards $3.2 Million In Disaster Assistance To Replace Earthquake-Damaged Louisa Elementary School
~Grant will cover 75% of uninsured balance to completely replace facility~
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell released the following statement after learning that the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) has granted Louisa County $3.2 million to replace Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, which was severely damaged during the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The move comes after repair estimates said it could cost more than 50 percent of the estimated replacement cost to restore the school to pre-earthquake condition. The cost to replace the school is $13. 7 million. The anticipated insurance proceeds will be approximately $9.4 million, leaving an estimated balance of approximately $4.3 million, of which 75 percent will be eligible for FEMA coverage.
“The citizens of Louisa County continue to rebuild their lives after the devastation inflicted by the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. One of the most disruptive aspects of this recovery still remaining is the closure of two Louisa schools—forcing students to attend classes in temporary facilities and on adjusted schedules. We have been working closely with FEMA to secure all possible aid to return life in the county to normal and make the needed repairs to homes, businesses and municipal buildings throughout the county. This grant to rebuild Thomas Jefferson Elementary School will provide a modern, safe, and more efficient building for the students of this county, and will ensure that Louisa is able to move forward with building a new school as quickly as possible. I appreciate the partnership of local officials, the Department of Emergency Management, local emergency response agencies, the combined bi-partisan efforts of senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, Congressman Eric Cantor and FEMA to ensure that all possible resources are afforded to this community which was at the epicenter of this natural disaster. While more than five months have passed since the earthquake, we know that the recovery and impacts from this event will continue to linger for years to come. Therefore we must continue working together to restore Louisa County and to meet the needs of those still addressing the lasting effects from this disaster.”
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