Residents press Scott County for action after February floods, allege FEMA/VDOT delays

Several Scott County residents used the citizen‑expression period to press the board for follow-up on storm damage and disaster assistance after flooding in February 2025.

Peggy Tice and others reiterated long-standing complaints about dirt-road conditions; several speakers from Fort Blackmore described a February 19 flood that left an 80‑year‑old resident displaced and raised safety concerns about a nearby swinging bridge and clogged drain tile.

Lester Begley recounted the FEMA on-site inspection and the home’s water mark: “There is a blue mark in the kitchen. It was 24 inches,” he said, describing FEMA’s assertion that water above electrical outlets qualified a dwelling as a total loss. Other speakers said they had waited days or weeks for agency follow-up and expressed frustration at limited contact from VDOT and FEMA caseworkers.

A speaker identified as Maggie Dorton described trying to contact VDOT staff and asking why maintenance orders had not been placed on drain tiles and river-blocking debris: “Here it is 8 days later, and you’ve done nothing,” she said. She also recounted being told by VDOT staff that orders were not necessary to perform emergency maintenance, then seeing no action.

County staff and supervisors acknowledged the complaints and directed Mr. Wilson, Mr. Dingus and VDOT’s Sumter to follow up with FEMA, the state recovery coordinator (Lenowisco/Governor’s recovery funds) and the Army Corps for permitting questions. Staff said state governor’s recovery funds were being used in some cases and that Jamie Fleming (Wise County) had assisted with reassessments.

Supervisors asked staff to coordinate inspections and report back; several speakers asked the board to ensure drainage repairs and to help residents navigate state and federal recovery programs.