December 12, 2024

Manchin, Capito, Miller, Mooney Announce Major Disaster Declaration Approval For West Virginia

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV), announced that West Virginia has been granted a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a result of Post-Tropical Storm Helene, which caused extensive damage throughout southern West Virginia from September 25 to September 28, 2024. In November, the West Virginia Delegation wrote a letter to President Biden and FEMA urging them to consider the State of West Virginia’s appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration.

“I am proud that the members of the West Virginia Delegation were able to work together and push for this declaration, which will be essential in ensuring that our communities have the federal support they need to recover from Hurricane Helene,” said Senator Manchin. “I have always worked alongside my colleagues to ensure that our West Virginians receive the resources they need to rebuild when disaster strikes, and I will continue to advocate for communities across the Mountain State.”

“Just last week, I joined Vice President-elect Vance to see the some of the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought, and I know that impact unfortunately included Mercer and Raleigh County,” Senator Capito said. “Americans, and West Virginians especially, show up to help one another after a disaster. We have done this in the past and will continue to do so. I am glad that FEMA has approved West Virginia’s request for a major disaster declaration for Mercer County after I advocated for Administrator Criswell to take this step last month. Now, we can focus on getting necessary aid to residents in need. I continue to support the Governor’s request for individual assistance in Raleigh County and hope FEMA’s damage assessment results in its designation as well.”

“I am proud to have worked with my fellow members of the West Virginia Delegation to secure a Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA for the West Virginia counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. This declaration will open up the federal resources that our communities need to rebuild and recover,” said Congressman Mooney.

“I am glad that FEMA responded to the West Virginia delegation’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia after Hurricane Helene. Many communities in southern West Virginia were left with nothing but destruction and devastation after the storm. I am grateful that my colleagues and I were able to help make this possible, and I am hopeful that with federal disaster aid and additional resources our state will be able to recover much faster,” said Congresswoman Miller.

This federal declaration provides funding under the Individual Assistance (IA) program, which allows individuals impacted by the disaster to seek reimbursement for necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. Eligible expenses include rental assistance, home repair, home replacement, and lodging, among other expenses.

This action will release federal funding to support individuals affected in Mercer County. Individuals in Mercer County can apply with FEMA the following ways: