August 4th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
Governor Jim Justice has announced that several counties in eastern West Virginia have been approved to receive federal assistance for public recovery efforts after severe flooding that occurred in June.
President Donald J. Trump granted a request from Gov. Justice, issuing a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance in Grant, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph, and Tucker counties after storms from June 29 – June 30 caused widespread flooding, landslides, mudslides, and other damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the region.
"I’m very thankful to President Trump for recognizing the extent of the devastation we had with recent flooding and for offering his support and the country’s support in our ongoing recovery efforts," Gov. Justice said. "We’re glad to know that the President has our back and that he is willing to do everything in his power to help our great West Virginians hurt by this disaster."
The President’s declaration will provide Public Assistance funds to the affected area. Public Assistance is for state and local government entities as well as eligible private nonprofit organizations. It offers reimbursement funding for emergency work and to repair or replace disaster-damaged facilities.
"I want to express my thanks to the Governor because, since day one of this flooding disaster, the support we have received from state agencies like the Division of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, National Guard, and others has been unprecedented and tremendous," Randolph County Commission President Mark Scott said. "And the help we received from the Governor and federal delegation in getting this declaration signed by the President will allow communities in Randolph County, and the entire region impacted by this disaster, to get back to normal as quickly as possible."
The declaration also provides cost-sharing assistance statewide through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, to support efforts that prevent or reduce long-term risks from such natural hazards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help to carry out the declaration, in coordination with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
