The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on July 12 that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of West Virginia to help in recovery efforts in the eight counties affected by severe storms and flooding between May 28 and June 3. Morgan County is one of eight counties to get help under the disaster declaration. Also listed under the declaration are Hampshire, Grant, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral and Pendleton counties.
West Virginia governor Jim Justice requested the federal help at the end of June to continue recovery work in the region.
Morgan County suffered from widespread flash flooding on June 3 following extended rain in the region. Many county roadways were underwater and were damaged in the flooding. Work continues by state road crews to repair damaged culverts, shoulders and road surfaces throughout the county.
FEMA officials have said assistance will be made available to state and local governments and “certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities.”
A Thursday afternoon press release includes the following summary of disaster aid that can be available:
Assistance for State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, State administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:
Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
