July 12, 2018

MANCHIN THANKS PRESIDENT FOR DECLARING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today thanked President Trump for declaring a major disaster for the state of West Virginia as a result of the extreme flooding throughout the state between May 28, 2018 and June 3, 2018. Eight counties in the Eastern Panhandle experienced severe storms causing flooding, landslides, mudslides and wind damage. Earlier this month, Senator Manchin led the West Virginia delegation in a letter to President Trump encouraging him to declare a major disaster declaration.

Read the full letter below or click here:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of West Virginia’s Congressional Delegation, we write to support Governor Jim Justice and his request for a federal disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia after heavy rain storms washed through the eastern panhandle of our state causing widespread damage.  Severe storms impacted already saturated conditions causing flooding, landslides, mudslides and wind damage in 8 counties throughout the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, beginning May 28, 2018 through June 3, 2018.

Frequent heavy rainfall throughout May caused ground saturation in many areas throughout our state, resulting in minor flooding events.  As the heavy downpour of rain began on May 28th, areas surrounding rivers, creeks and small streams were unable to absorb the excess precipitation causing flooding, landslides and catastrophic damage to vital infrastructure.  Fortunately, no injuries or loss of life were reported, however there were a total of 18 reported swift water rescues through the two-day ordeal.  Local officials and first responders, including the West Virginia National Guard, worked diligently to ensure that debris clean-up efforts were initiated immediately to clear blocked roadways and damaged infrastructure and to prevent additional damages.

To access federal disaster aid, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has made a request for a declaration of major disaster for the State of West Virginia, submitted June 28, 2018, under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5208 (Stafford Act).  We respectfully request that you review this request for Public Assistance for Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton Counties, as well as Hazard Mitigation assistance for the entire state.

We remain proud of our local citizens, first responders and our brave National Guard members, who have worked diligently to assist in recovery efforts, and we urge you to do everything in your power to make sure that our communities have the federal support they need to rebuild and recover.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

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