BY CHELYEN DAVIS

Individual residents of four more Fredericksburg-area localities are eligible for federal disaster aid for damage caused by the August earthquake.

Last week, Gov. Bob McDonnell asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add nine localities--including Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Orange and Culpeper--to the list of those eligible to receive federal help for damage from the 5.8-magnitude quake that hit August 23.

Yesterday, he announced that FEMA has approved six of those localities for individual assistance. He had requested individual assistance for King George and Albemarle counties, but they were not approved.

The newly approved localities are Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Orange, Culpeper, Fluvanna and Goochland counties.

FEMA's individual-assistance program allows private property owners to apply for federal grants, low-interest loans and other help in repairing earthquake damage.

The program can help cover costs for temporary housing and includes "Other Needs Assistance" for medical, transportation, moving and storage, and other expenses associated with personal loss from the earthquake and its aftershocks.

McDonnell, in a written release announcing the assistance approval, said, "I am pleased that FEMA has made this important assistance available to more of those who have suffered personal losses and have been working to recover for the past few months."

FEMA coordinating officer Don Keldsen said: "These counties were added after joint damage assessments were completed with local and state partners. We are happy to be able to assist eligible individuals recover from this disaster."

McDonnell also announced yesterday that Northampton and Culpeper counties have been approved for public assistance. FEMA's public-assistance program applies to public buildings and infrastructure.

Individual assistance for Louisa County, where the earthquake's epicenter was located, was approved in early November, after an initial rejection.

When he announced that Virginia was applying for FEMA help for the additional localities, McDonnell said FEMA has approved more than $6.6 million for individuals in Louisa County affected by the earthquake.

Money has also been approved to repair damages to Louisa County High School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Earthquake damages were estimated at more than $80 million in Louisa County alone. Early estimates in Culpeper County placed the damage at about $10 million.

Earlier this month, Fredericksburg had received 87 reports of damage to residential and commercial property, a city official said.

Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley said he's pleased with yesterday's decision.

"We're obviously thrilled that it went through and are hopeful that people that need assistance can apply."

Spotsylvania County spokeswoman Kathy Smith said officials had received about 176 reports of damage to commercial and residential property as of yesterday.

Reports are still coming in, but damage is estimated at nearly $1.7 million.

Under the individual-assistance program, those in need of help must register with FEMA. That may be done by phone at 800/621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800/462-7585. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week except for Jan. 1, New Year's Day.

Individuals also may sign up on FEMA's website at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone at FEMA's mobile site m.fema.gov.

Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com