Virginia announces $52M in Helene recovery aid

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $52 million in federal funding for Hurricane Helene recovery across Southwest and Western Virginia. Provided through 10-year Good Neighbor Agreements between the U.S. Forest Service and state agencies, the funding will support work on federal, state and private lands, primarily in the storm-damaged region. Planned projects include restoring trails and recreational facilities, regenerating native forests, repairing infrastructure and addressing dam safety, with the broader goal of strengthening local economies and resilience to future disasters.