Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia revisited Damascus today to conduct a roundtable marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene. The event reflected on the community’s progress over the past year.

“It’s a moment for us to step back and recognize that out of devastation, we can see a celebration,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin, along with local and state leaders, took time to thank first responders and many community members for their work during and after Helene.

Youngkin also said he was pleased by the community in Damascus coming together to rise and rebuild.

“Witnessing the rapid recovery efforts of this community is truly inspiring,” Youngkin expressed. “It’s a testament that even when challenges arise, there is hope, and we must pursue it.”

The discussions at the roundtable extended to ongoing recovery initiatives, highlighting grant programs aimed at individuals who missed initial aid following Hurricane Helene. These initiatives are focused on agricultural and disaster response, complemented by an additional grant program designed to supplement existing efforts.

“We have an agricultural response fund dedicated to helping those in the agricultural and forestry sectors who haven’t received assistance elsewhere,” Youngkin said. “This fund holds more than $60 million, close to $70 million, in available resources.”

He continued, “The second program is a state-led disaster response fund, amounting to $50 million, which is intended to augment previous aid to support the rebuilding efforts for homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure.”

Youngkin said there is $170 million towards the grants.

Mayor of Damascus Katie Lamb said she is grateful for the continued help being brought to Southwest Virginia by Youngkin and his team.

Lamb commented on the governor’s commitment, stating, “Governor Youngkin’s dedication to Virginia is phenomenal. His team has been incredibly supportive, and their efforts to establish new programs for recovery and rebuilding are truly commendable.”

Lamb also said many new businesses have opened in Damascus, and she is appreciative of those who have come to help rebuild homes.

“We had to overcome, adapt, and improvise, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Lamb said. “We’re getting better every day, and we’re going to be better than we’ve ever been.”

Click here to apply for any of the grant programs.