Press Releases

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) sent a letter to Governor Northam urging the Commonwealth to act immediately to grant a much-needed Emergency Declaration to the city of Staunton.

On August 8, heavy rain and flooding wreaked havoc in downtown Staunton and caused more than $3.1 million in damages to property.

Staunton provided the necessary data to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and requested an Emergency Declaration last week, but the State has yet to act. In order to qualify for Disaster Aid through FEMA, this declaration must first be granted by the Commonwealth.

"In an already difficult time for businesses and area residents, the recent rain and flooding in Staunton have caused even greater heartache for those who call the city home," Cline said. "I urge the Governor to swiftly approve Staunton's request for an Emergency Declaration and provide the necessary resources available to his Administration to ensure that businesses and residents can quickly begin to rebuild what was lost."

A copy of the letter to Governor Northam can be found here.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.