The $50 million set aside by the General Assembly for recovery following floods that devastated Southwest Virginia in late 2024 and early 2025 apply only to “real property,” meaning renters are out of luck.
Southwest Virginia Flooding
Recovering from a devastating flash flood
Posted inSouthwest Area
As $43 million for Southwest flood relief remains unspent, residents who can’t afford to fix their homes wait for help
A year ago, the General Assembly appropriated $50 million for recovery following widespread floods that devastated Southwest Virginia in 2024 and 2025. Disbursement has been slow.
Posted inHealthcare
Researchers study long-term health effects of Hurricane Helene across central Appalachia
Research has found that life expectancies can decline for more than a decade in communities hit by severe flooding. A new study seeks to explore why that happens.
Posted inLocal
Creeper Trail rebuilding will involve locals and be completed in a year, project manager promises
Nearly 500 people turned out for an overview of the $240 million project by contractor Kiewit.
Posted inWeather
$240.5 million contract awarded for Creeper Trail rebuilding
Kiewit Corp., a Nebraska-based contractor, is expected to start working this week. The contract gives the company a year to complete the project.
Posted inWeather
Forest Service sets aggressive 1-year schedule for restoration of Virginia Creeper Trail
A year ago, the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed away portions of the popular trail. Half of it has reopened, and the Forest Service says repair of the rest will be completed by September 2026.
Posted inWeather
A year after Southwest Virginia was devastated by flooding and wind, local officials are applying the lessons they learned from Helene to prepare for the next disaster
Localities have been investing in generators, setting up swift-water rescue teams and figuring out how to best deal with tons and tons of debris.
Posted inWeather
Floodwaters swept away much of Damascus’ tourism base. A year later, the town has put out the welcome mat.
Rebuilding continues in the Washington County community known as Trail Town USA for its proximity to the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Posted inWeather
One year later, some farmers still feel Helene’s impacts
The remnants of Hurricane Helene struck Virginia in September 2024, destroying structures, downing trees and causing widespread flooding. A year later, some agricultural producers are still recovering.
Posted inWeather
2 western Virginia counties now have flood warning systems to gather data and guide local officials during emergencies
Buchanan County, which has had three major floods in recent years, and Botetourt County, which has dealt with flash flooding, were chosen for the projects.
