March 01, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Funding For Hurricane Sandy Relief in WV

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, today announced more than $2,433,800 in federal funding, including more than $1,355,000 for Tucker County, to help West Virginia continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy by clearing remaining debris from roads.

“Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc up and down the east coast and in West Virginia,” said Rockefeller. “Heavy rains and snow closed schools and small businesses. And strong winds knocked down trees and power lines leaving many without power or heat. We must do what we can even now to help our communities fully recover. This funding will help make sure that fallen trees and road obstructions no longer stand in the way – and that more West Virginians are finally on the road to normalcy.”

“Hurricane Sandy brought unseen destruction to our great state,” Manchin said. “As I traveled to the affected areas in the aftermath of the storm, it was devastating to see the destruction caused by heavy winds, rain and snow. At the time, our responders were overwhelmed by dozens of roads that required debris removal, and we are still repairing the damage of those roads and infrastructure today. I am encouraged that this grant will help our communities get back to normal.”

“This federal funding is far more than a repayment of funds to our State, it is proof positive of our working partnership with the Federal government in times of national need.  Sandy’s wrath was more than any one state could bear,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over FEMA.  “Our country is only as strong as its weakest link and funding for Federal disaster declarations reinforces our Nation’s resolve.”     

Rockefeller fought to include West Virginia in the final Hurricane Sandy disaster relief package passed in January. In November, Rockefeller joined 11 other Senators from states impacted by Hurricane Sandy to urge President Obama to provide additional emergency aid for federal disaster assistance programs. On December 5, Rockefeller submitted an official statement for the record to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging colleagues to include federal assistance to help communities and families in West Virginia as the chamber considered disaster relief legislation.

The funding has been awarded to the West Virginia Division of Highways for the removal of large amounts of debris caused by heavy rain, snow, and winds. The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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