The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $25.2 million in federal disaster aid for Virginia residents, businesses and local governments harmed by the earthquake in August.

Some of the funds will be used for low-interest loans, and the rest will be distributed in grants to either local governments, which will use the money to pay for emergency response and infrastructure damage costs, or individuals and families.

Aid may be extended to individuals in Culpepper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Orange and Spotsylvania counties and the city of Fredericksburg, according to Governor McDonnell. The state's original request for aid was not approved, so many were pleased to learn that a second request fared better.

Because the aid is primarily intended to go to private individuals and governments, Virginia business insurance costs and rates may not be directly affected by the decision. It will likely speed recovery and rebuilding in affected areas, however, indirectly benefiting area businesses which have suffered in the aftermath of the disaster. The Small Business Administration is granting some loans to area businesses in need of assistance.