June 05, 2019

West Virginia to See More than $100 Million in Disaster Relief | WV Public Broadcasting

A disaster relief package that would send more than $100 million to West Virginia is on its way to the president’s desk.

This funding is part of a larger disaster relief package of more than $19 billion that will be split throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. $106 million will be given to West Virginia for mitigation and resilience activities related to past flooding.

The bill passed the U.S. Senate nearly two weeks ago and passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

The funds will come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery program, according to Sen. Joe Manchin’s office.

Manchin said in a statement the funds were promised to West Virginia more than a year ago in the aftermath of major flooding in the state.

“I am so glad that finally the disaster relief package has passed so we can get these much needed resources to the people of West Virginia and other areas of the country that have been hit by horrible natural disasters. In my state, we have been waiting more than a year to receive this funding to help rebuild in the aftermath of terrible flooding. I have been working hard with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this passed and I applaud my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee and President Trump for finally reaching a deal and bringing it to the Senate floor,” Sen. Joe Manchin said in a press release on May 23, 2019.

According to Manchin’s office, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has 90 days after President Donald Trump signs the bill to release the $106 million in disaster aid to West Virginia.

The bill also includes:

$3.25 Billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair damaged infrastructure and reduce the risk of future floods and hurricanes.

$3.17 Billion to rebuild U.S. military bases and coast guard facilities.

$3.005 Billion to support U.S. farmers as they recover from crop and livestock losses.

$2.431 Billion for Community Development Block Grants to help communities rebuild and mitigate future disaster.

$1.65 Billion to rebuild disaster damaged highways.

$720 Million for the U.S. Forest Service for wildland fire activities.

$600 Million in Economic Development Assistance Programs to help communities rebuild and revamp their economy.

$349.4 Million for State Revolving Funds to help rebuild damaged water systems; and

$128 Million for the National Park Service to repair damaged public lands.

$605 Million for the Nutrition Assistance Program for Puerto Rico.

$304 Million from Community Development Block Grants to help it meet FEMA match requirements for Puerto Rico.

A provision also ensures more damaged facilities in Puerto Rico will be repaired or replaced, and built with better standards.

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By:  Liz McCormick