RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - More than $2.5 million in grants have been approved this month for Louisa County homeowners hit by a powerful Aug. 23 earthquake and its aftershocks.

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Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinating officer Donald Keldsen said Wednesday the amount of approved grants will grow as FEMA continues to respond to victims' needs from the 5.8-magnitude quake. The grants don't have to be repaid.

The earthquake was centered in Mineral.

FEMA initially denied Virginia's request for assistance before Gov. Bob McDonnell appealed, accompanied by a letter from Virginia's entire congressional delegation.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that state officials say those unable to work as a direct result of the earthquake and aftershocks also may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.