Trump approves emergency disaster declaration for U.S. Virgin Islands

President Donald Trump approved Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.'s request for an emergency disaster declaration for the weather system that moved through the U.S. Virgin Islands on July 29, 2020.

Government House said Bryan had submitted the request on July 27, 2020, ahead of the storm's impact. On July 29, 2020, Bryan also issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency, establishing a curfew from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 30, 2020, and authorizing the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to declare a price freeze.

Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Richard Evangelista executed the price freeze on July 29, 2020.

FEMA said federal disaster assistance had been made available to supplement territorial response efforts in areas affected by Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine beginning July 27, 2020. Federal funding was made available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures at 75% federal funding for the territory, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

The assistance applied to St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island. FEMA named William L. Vogel as federal coordinating officer for response operations in the affected area.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/president-trump-approves-emergency-disaster-declaration-for-the-u-s-virgin-islands/