March 23, 2012

Manchin Statement on Receiving Additional Federal Disaster Aid for Lincoln, Logan and Mingo Counties

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made the following statement today about the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties, which were devastated by severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides in the past few weeks. 

"So many West Virginians have lost everything during the last month because of severe weather," Senator Manchin said. "I applaud the swift assistance of all of those involved with granting this declaration, especially Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The people of West Virginia will put this federal aid to good use rebuilding their communities and their lives.

"When I toured storm-damaged areas last week, I once again was reminded of the incredible resilience of West Virginians, even through heartache and destruction. West Virginians are the toughest people I know and this federal assistance will provide them with valuable resources to help overcome these latest obstacles and put their lives back on track." 

Background:  

  • Earlier this month, Governor Tomblin announced that federal storm damage relief had been granted for Doddridge, Harrison, Lincoln, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor and Wayne counties. Those federal funds will assist communities across the state that were affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, mudslides and landslides between February 29 and March 5. 

  • In addition to touring the damage in several counties caused by the severe storms from February 29 to March 5, Senator Manchin wrote to President Obama and spoke with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano asking that Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for the declaration of a major disaster for West Virginia be granted after more severe weather hit the state March 15.

  • This declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Logan County. At this time, individuals in Logan County can register with FEMA by calling (800) 621-3362 or apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.       

  • Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

  • Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments as well as to certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo Counties.

  • In addition, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

###