PSA approves budget amendments to address Hurricane Helen damage and recognizes $3.176M VDH grant for system repairs

The Public Service Authority moved to amend its current fiscal-year budgets to cover storm‑related repairs and to record a new state grant for system recovery work tied to Hurricane Helen.

Staff presented a wastewater‑fund amendment adding $176,750 to cover debris and damage on a sewer crossing of the Reno River. The presenter said the expense will be paid up front and submitted to FEMA for reimbursement. "We would hope and I do think it's accurate, that we would get reimbursed, but we have to pay the bill up front and then we'll submit reimbursement after the fact," the presenter said.

Separately, the board considered and approved recognizing approximately $3.176 million in grant money from the Virginia Department of Health. The presenter described the funding as supporting a host of projects to repair and strengthen the water system following Hurricane Helen; staff and consultants are beginning design work and VDH has participated in kickoff meetings.

The board approved motions to adopt both amendments. Justin Shepard was identified as the staff contact for further details on the projects and said consultants have started design work under the VDH grant; deliverables from the systemwide study are expected at an upcoming meeting and coordination with VDH is ongoing.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the design work funded by the VDH grant, begin project deliverables per the consultant schedule, and submit eligible storm expenses to FEMA for reimbursement.