RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore said Friday he has requested $3.18 billion in financial assistance for Virginia in the aftermath of last month's terrorist attack.
The Republican governor said the aid was needed for direct recovery, economic stimulus and preparation for possible future attacks.
"The September 11th terrorist attack on the Pentagon set off an economic shock wave in northern Virginia that is now rippling throughout the Commonwealth," Gilmore said in a statement.
The governor is requesting $3.18 billion of the $40 billion Congress approved for its Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. Half of the $40 billion is earmarked for three states -- New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia -- in which the terrorist attacks occurred.
Gilmore's request consists of $1.2 billion for direct and indirect costs associated with the attack itself, $1.6 billion to help prevent any future attacks and $380 million to help boost Virginia's economy.
In a letter to President Bush, Gilmore estimates the month-long closure of Reagan National Airport cost Virginia $231.6 million during September and $234.8 million in October.
Reagan Airport, which reopened on Oct. 4, was expected to cost the state $61.8 million a month in losses while the airport returns to its normally capacity.
The Arlington, Va., -based airport is still currently operating at only 24 percent capacity.
"The direct and observable impact of the federal government's decision not to return Reagan National Airport to its full pre-attack operational level includes well over 10,000 jobs, hundreds of retailers and jobs and thousands of Virginia families whose livelihoods have been significantly reduced by this decision," the governor said.
Gilmore estimates the reduced capacity at Reagan will cost Virginia $1.2 billion in the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, Sen. George Allen, R-Va., this week introduced legislation to help workers who have been laid off as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and introduced an additional provision to address the specific needs of workers and businesses at Reagan Airport.
The provision would make available additional income support for workers and businesses at the airport above and beyond normal unemployment compensation, which was closed by direct federal action between Sept. 11 and Oct. 4.
Gilmore also says Virginia needs $380 million to restore business and stimulate its economy through direct grants to business, access to capital, work force training, tourism marketing and incentive programs.
Gilmore is also asking for a list of preventative measures including, $600 million for a statewide mobile radio system; $15 million for an emergency operations center; $130 million to widen I-66 and the Roosevelt Bridge; $500 million to widen other roads for evacuation routes and $7 million for bomb detection and disposal.
