WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal assistance will be available to 12 West Virginia counties affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of April 8-11.
The President Monday declared a major disaster exists and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Braxton, Brooke, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Lewis, Marshall, Ohio, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties.
“This assistance will help our counties address critical infrastructure needs resulting from the severe storms and increment weather during those dates, which represent one of three separate storm events this spring,” Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said. “I’m grateful to members of our Congressional delegation for their support of my request for federal help.”
Gov. Tomblin requested a federal disaster declaration for the 12 West Virginia counties on May 7. The public assistance funding does not provide individual assistance for county residents.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by weather events. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Hazard Mitigation grants are available for all 55 West Virginia counties. All counties are eligible to apply for this financial assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, named Kari Suzann Cowie as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.