Bristol, Virginia, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Near the one-year mark since Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia, significant recovery efforts are underway, including the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant. This grant aims to assist local farmers and timber owners in the aftermath of the storm, which caused an estimated $159 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The 45-day application period for the grant will soon open, targeting areas affected by the storm like Bristol, Covington, and surrounding counties. Community resilience initiatives are also in place to support recovery in the region.
Bristol, Virginia – One Year After Hurricane Helene
Almost one year has passed since Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia, significantly impacting agriculture and infrastructure in the region. In response to the destruction, the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant has been announced to assist farmers and timber owners affected by the storm.
Eligibility for the Grant
Eligible cities and counties for the grant include Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, Radford, and several counties such as Bedford, Bland, and Buchanan, among others. Producers and timber owners who have experienced verifiable agriculture losses will soon be able to apply for aid online through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The grant application period will be open for 45 days once it commences, projected in September.
Program Objectives
This program aims to address losses not covered by other assistance programs, including damages to on-farm buildings, irrigation systems, aquaculture infrastructure, and timber losses. Applicants are required to submit various documentation to qualify, including a W-9 form, tax parcel ID, photos of damage, insurance reports, and evidence showcasing agricultural losses.
Devastation Caused by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene inflicted an estimated $159 million in damages to Virginia farms, with significant repercussions for timberland, which is vital for many farmers’ retirements. The storm also caused severe flooding, causing the New River to rise to 31 feet in some areas, thus altering local waterways and infrastructure. In Giles County, nearly 50 families were displaced, and efforts are underway to secure long-term housing through disaster assistance funds.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
Assessments indicate that 140 structures were destroyed in Damascus, resulting in $12 million in damages. The recovery process is ongoing, with communities exploring new flood prevention methods, such as virtual fencing for livestock, to minimize damage from future storms. The Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular destination for hiking and biking, was severely damaged, and it is estimated that it will cost between $200-300 million to rebuild, with projections for completion by October 2026.
Federal and State Assistance
The federal government, through the USDA, is working on restoring waterways impacted by flooding, with $20 million allocated for assistance via the Emergency Watershed Protection program. Overall, Virginia suffered about $4 billion in damages from the storm, contributing to over 250 fatalities nationwide.
Community Resilience Initiatives
Recovery efforts are being supported by local volunteers, state and federal aid, and community resilience initiatives aimed at assisting those affected by the disaster. As communities continue to rebuild, partnerships between various stakeholders will be vital in restoring agriculture and infrastructure in Southwest Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant?
The Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant has been announced to assist farmers and timber owners affected by Hurricane Helene.
Who is eligible for the grant?
Eligible cities and counties include Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, Radford, and various counties including Bedford, Bland, and Buchanan.
What damages did Hurricane Helene cause?
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $159 million in damages to Virginia farms and about $4 billion in damages overall.
How can farmers apply for the grant?
Farmers can apply for aid online through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services once the application period opens.
Key Features of Recovery Efforts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Announcement | Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant to assist affected farmers and timber owners. |
| Eligible Areas | Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, Radford, and more. |
| Damages from Helene | Estimated $159 million in agricultural damages and $4 billion overall. |
| Application Period | 45 days starting in September. |
| Restoration Support | USDA allocated $20 million for watershed restoration. |
| Community Efforts | Local volunteers and government aid support recovery initiatives. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Bristol Motor Speedway Honors Heroes of Flood Relief Efforts
Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund Now Accepting Applications
Virginia Governor Establishes Disaster Assistance Fund
SVCHS Hosts Walk to Recovery Events for National Recovery Month
Tennessee Announces $4 Million in Grants for Unicoi County Businesses
Tennessee Allocates $4 Million in Grants for Hurricane Recovery
Community Mourns the Loss of Helen Sue Cross
Additional Resources
- Virginia Mercury: Damascus After Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- WSLS: Giles County Recovery
- Google Search: Virginia Hurricane Helene Recovery
- WDBJ7: Hurricane Helene Impact on Giles County
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Impact Virginia
- WVVA: Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Virginia Mercury: Landscape Changes from Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Recovery Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
