Gov. Timothy M. Kaine requested federal disaster assistance Friday for localities in Virginia that suffered damage from the Nor’easter that occurred November 11 through 15.

Kaine's request calls for low-interest loans for homeowners and renters and funds to assist local governments in making repairs.

"I've seen firsthand the damage inflicted on Virginians as a result of last week's nor'easter and it's clear the impact will be felt for some time to come,” says Kaine. “As we continue to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the storm, it's critical we receive federal relief to help our businesses and citizens recover as quickly as possible."

Virginia did not qualify for individual aid partly because 80 percent of the damage was covered by insurance. Kaine is seeking assistance to address damage in the Commonwealth through several channels, including:

- A request of the U.S. Small Business Administration to make emergency low-interest loans available to homeowners and renters in the affected areas. The uninsured damage caused by the storm was not severe or widespread enough for Virginia to qualify for The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance program.

The SBA assistance requested covers the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. If the request is approved for these cities, residents in adjacent localities are automatically eligible to apply for these loans as well. Other assistance will be available through community and volunteer groups, which have already been working in affected areas.

- A request for FEMA Public Assistance to cover eligible costs for damage to public infrastructure, debris removal, and related emergency services. The request for Public Assistance covers the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. The request also covers the counties of Halifax, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Northampton and Surry.

- A request for Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all Virginia localities. The Hazard Mitigation Assistance program helps local and state governments implement measures designed to reduce the impact of future disasters.

The SBA can provide Real Property Loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or restore their primary home to its pre-disaster condition. Additionally, the agency can authorize Personal Property Loans to provide homeowners or renters with up to $40,000 to help repair or replace personal property, such as clothing, furniture and automobiles lost in the disaster.

Businesses suffering damage could also receive loans of up to $2 million to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.