March 15, 2012

Manchin Views Destruction | Lincoln Journal

HAMLIN - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) visited Lincoln County, last Saturday, March 10, and viewed the destruction in the county following the March 2 storms.

A Blackhawk helicopter touched down at Lions Club Field in Hamlin at around 9:45 a.m. Manchin was joined by a number of state officials. He was welcomed at Lions Club Field by Lincoln County Commission President Charles McCann, Lincoln Office of Emergency Services Director Allen Holder and others.

Manchin and the group then board a Tri River Transit bus and headed to Griffithsville, one of the parts of the Lincoln County most heavily impacted by the storm.

Officials confirmed last week that an F3 tornado struck Lincoln County, with wind speeds of 139 miles per hour. Manchin was also set to visit Wayne County, Saturday.
Manchin sent a letter to President Barack Obama, Saturday, urging the administration to quickly review and approve Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for the declaration of a major disaster for the state of West Virginia.

"After touring the devastated areas this week, I was struck by the hope and perseverance in the aftermath of great destruction. Although the survivors of this horrific weather event are showing great optimism, it is apparent to me that residents and local leaders, who are now tasked with rebuilding in the storm’s wake, require resources beyond what local and state governments are equipped to provide,” Manchin wrote in the letter.

"To access federal disaster aid, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin made a request for a declaration of major disaster for the State of West Virginia... I respectfully request that you review his request as quickly as possible and give the request every appropriate consideration. The West Virginians who are suffering from this natural disaster are already working hard with their communities to rebuild, and now is the time for the federal government to be their partner,” said Manchin.

                                         

Senator Joe Manchin (center) speaks with Lincoln County Commission President Charles McCann (left) and Tri River Transit President Tom Scarpellini (right). Photo by Seán O’Donoghue.


By:  Sean O'Donoghue