Youngkin’s update on storm situation and Richmond water crisis
Youngkin gave an update on the storm aftermath and water situation in Richmond from the Virginia Department of Emergency’s operations center Wednesday afternoon.
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Youngkin’s update on storm situation and Richmond water crisis
Gov. Glenn Youngkin gave an update on the storm aftermath and water situation in Richmond from the Virginia Department of Emergency’s operations center Wednesday afternoon.
Youngkin said that his office was informed of the water treatment issue Monday afternoon and was able to immediately start moving resources due to him already declaring a State of Emergency ahead of the storm’s arrival on Friday.
He said they reached out to anyone who could help, getting people out of bed who could provide assistance in getting the treatment plant back online.
“It's been all hands on deck,” Youngkin said. “And that has been reaching into corporate partners and literally getting people out of bed and getting them out to this site to get it fixed.”
His two priorities at the onset of the water crisis were supplying water to Richmond’s hospitals and figuring out how to get bottled water to citizens across the city, he said.
10 water tankers are providing water to hospitals, and Youngkin said they have plans in motion for 13 more to come in and help.
As for distributing bottles of water, 460 pallets of water were provided this morning and he is expecting 1,300 more today from private businesses.
Walmart, Amazon, Publix and Niagara are helping provide the water.
Additionally, Youngkin said the surrounding localities have been “truly inspiring” in helping with the situation. Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover provided pump trucks to the city in case Richmond experiences a fire emergency and needs water.
As for the upcoming storm possibly impacting the restoration process, Youngkin expressed some concern that it could be a problem.
“Yes, we're concerned, and that's why we are first supporting the city in all ways possible to get a water supply back online fully as quickly as we can, to make sure all citizens have access to water,” he said.
Statewide implications
This crisis delayed the General Assembly’s session from starting any real work until at least Monday. As for whether this crisis will convince him and legislators to provide funding for upgrading infrastructure systems in localities, Youngkin did not directly answer if any actions will be taken during this session.
He said the after-action report and investigation will be “very, very illuminating on what we can do together.”
He also talked about the money already proposed to help Richmond with its sewage overflow system.
“In the budget amendments that I submitted in advance of December, I specifically have earmarked again, and I've done it in previous budgets, and we've funded it, funding for the city of Richmond's combined sewer overflow project,” he said. “We also have substantial funding that exists for water treatment plants across the Commonwealth.”
As for his frustration with this crisis impacting the legislative session, Youngkin said the work will still get done.
“Everyone is frustrated,” he said, “The water supply has been on and off for everybody in the city, including Capital Square, and the fact that the General Assembly has had to postpone our start is a reality when something like this happens. But let me just be clear, there are a lot more important issues with this water crisis right now.”
