W. Va. Aid Tops $1 Million for Late July Storm Victims

More than $1 million in assistance has been provided since a presidential declaration was approved for West Virginia’s Fayette, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo Counties on Aug. 7. The declaration was a result of severe storms that struck the counties in late July.

Disaster assistance is provided in several forms: Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans.

Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses. Applications for assistance have reached 519.

The SBA has approved loans totaling $58,400 for West Virginia homeowners and businesses that suffered flood damage.

The application deadline for applying for assistance is Oct. 5.

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Fayette County, located in Ansted, served 163 visitors. The second DRC in Lincoln County in Harts had 44 visitors. Both locations are now closed.

The housing program that includes mobile homes and travel trailers, has been initiated. The program provides temporary housing for disaster victims while their homes are repaired or until other permanent housing becomes available.