W. Va. Gov. Reports Disaster Declaration Approved

Gov. Bob Wise on Tuesday announced that a federal Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia has been granted by the President because of recent severe flooding in the state.

“I thank the President for granting this declaration,” Wise said. “Now is the time for us to repair and rebuild our homes, businesses and public facilities and move forward.”

The declaration allows residents in 24 counties to apply for Individual Assistance grants, which are designed to help residents recover some flood-related expenses. Counties include: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt and Wyoming.

“This is the first step. It’s the starting point that tells us federal money is on the way,” Wise added. “Citizens in these affected areas should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible.”

Wise said he believes FEMA also will grant Public Assistance to many West Virginia communities. Public Assistance is designed to help state, county and local governments pay for damages to public property and/or for disaster response overtime for employees.