3/29/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – President Obama has approved a request from Gov. Joe Manchin for a federal disaster declaration for Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Mercer, Raleigh and Summers counties in West Virginia, which suffered significant damage from severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides beginning March 12.
Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Mercer and Raleigh counties are now declared eligible for individual assistance, which is assistance to individuals and households. Fayette, Mercer, Raleigh and Summers counties are also eligible for public assistance, which is assistance to state and local governments and certain private, nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
All counties in the state are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
Manchin thanked President Obama and the state’s congressional delegation for their support of the declaration. The governor requested the federal declaration on March 17.
“With all the snow and the recent rains, this was a devastating flood for many families and businesses in southern West Virginia,” Manchin said. “This assistance will help individuals and our local governments return to normal more quickly and I am grateful for the quick action from the president.”
As more information is gathered about flood-related damage throughout the region, the governor could request additional counties be added to this federal disaster declaration.
Contact Information
Sara Payne Scarbro
304-558-2000