Associated Press - November 21, 2009 10:55 AM ET

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Tim Kaine is asking the federal government for disaster assistance for Virginia localities that suffered damage from heavy storms last week.

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

Kaine says he's seen the damage firsthand and said it is critical that the state receive federal relief to help businesses and citizens recover as quickly as possible.

Officials say the state did not qualify for individual aid in part because eighty percent of the damage was covered by insurance. But the governor is asking for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program.

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