October 17, 2012

Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Urge FEMA to Grant State’s Request for Additional Disaster Assistance

BECKLEY, W.Va. – The West Virginia Congressional Delegation today released the following statements in response to Governor Tomblin’s request that 20 additional counties be added to the Federal Disaster Declaration that was issued following the June 29 derecho storm and extended power outage:

“The derecho and subsequent storms that struck on June 29th took a terrible toll on West Virginia residents and businesses.  Having toured several communities following the storm, I witnessed firsthand the widespread damage to homes and businesses that resulted from the high and sudden winds,” said U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with jurisdiction over FEMA.  “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that our State receives every dollar of Federal assistance it is entitled to.” 

“The derecho that hit West Virginia in June caused widespread damage across the state,” Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) said.  “Today I’m joining my colleagues in urging FEMA to fully recognize the devastation this storm caused families in West Virginia by opening the door to Individual Assistance to more of those impacted.  It’s so important that we help West Virginians in these 20 additional counties rebuild.”

“The June storms that swept through our state were simply devastating to our families and communities, and this request to expand individual assistance is so vital to their recovery,” Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said. “I witnessed firsthand the tragic impact of storm's aftermath on individuals and business owners who lost power, wages, inventory and medicine – to say nothing of the serious property damage inflicted on homes and businesses. I fully support this request to expand individual assistance to an additional 20 counties because it will truly help countless West Virginia families who are still struggling with the cost of rebuilding and with the basic hardships of surviving in this already weak economy.”