July 15, 2013

WV delegation urges White House to approve Federal Disaster Aid in wake of severe weather last month

Congressional delegation sends letter to President Obama echoing Governor Tomblin's request to approve disaster relief for counties affected by flooding

Washington, D.C. – The West Virginia Delegation sent a letter on Friday, June 11 to President Obama urging him to review and approve Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s request for federal disaster aid as a result of flooding from severe weather between June 13, 2013 to June 20, 2013. The storms impacted several counties, including Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, and Roane with damaging flooding, mudslides and landslides.

The letter said, in part: “As members of West Virginia’s Congressional Delegation, we join together to write you regarding the West Virginians who are suffering as a result of severe weather that affected our State between June 12, 2013, and June 20, 2013, resulting in flooding, landslides and mudslides. This extreme weather caused a path of destruction through communities that are home to some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens – the elderly, the disabled, and those who live on a fixed income.”

Below is the full letter the West Virginia Delegation sent to the White House:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of West Virginia’s Congressional Delegation, we join together to write you regarding the West Virginians who are suffering as a result of severe weather that affected our State between June 12, 2013, and June 20, 2013, resulting in flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

Several counties in West Virginia, including Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, and Roane experienced significant damage from severe storms. This extreme weather caused a path of destruction through communities that are home to some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens – the elderly, the disabled, and those who live on a fixed income.

To access federal disaster aid, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin made a request for a declaration of major disaster for the State of West Virginia, submitted July 9, 2013, 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 Individual Assistance for Roane, Public Assistance for Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis and Mason, and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state expeditiously, and give it every appropriate consideration. We also ask that FEMA begin immediate discussions with the appropriate State officials in regard to Governor Tomblin’s urgent appeal.

We remain so very proud of the work of our local citizens, first-responders and brave National Guard troops who are already working hard in their communities to rebuild, and we trust that you will do everything in your power to make sure that West Virginians receive the help they need and deserve.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

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