McDowell, Mercer included in federal disaster declaration
princeton — Disaster victims of the Feb. 15 storm which brought record flooding across four southern West Virginia counties can now start applying to FEMA for federal aid.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday evening that President Donald Trump had accepted his request for Individual Assistance in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming counties. Another nine counties in the request — Raleigh, Greenbrier, Summers, Wayne, Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln and Logan – still remain under consideration by FEMA.
The Individual Assistance (IA) program provides funds to individuals facing major damage to their homes or property. This declaration also provides the opportunity for all West Virginia counties to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which can provide resources to alleviate or reduce future flooding and help public service districts with wastewater treatment and other long-term hazard reduction projects.
'I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Noem for stepping up to support West Virginians in need,' Morrisey said when he announced the declaration. 'Thank you as well to Senators Capito and Justice, and to Representatives Miller and Moore, for their efforts. The Major Disaster Declaration will supplement the work being completed on the ground and provide relief to recovering communities in southern West Virginia.'
FEMA disaster relief centers have not been established yet, but flood victims in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming counties can start applying for FEMA Individual Assistance. Applications can be made by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Applicants can also use the TTY number, 800-462-7585, which is for special communications equipment used by people who cannot use regular telephones due to hearing loss or other difficulties. FEMA applications can be made online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app on a cellphone.
Morrisey's request for federal Public Assistance was still being reviewed Thursday by FEMA.
Keith Gunnoe, director of the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management said that while Individual Assistance is for people with damage to their homes or property, Public Assistance is for addressing infrastructure losses such as damaged public roads or water systems.
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available in West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning on Feb. 15, and continuing. 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. Mark O'Hanlon has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
In a joint statement, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito. R-W.Va. and Jim Justice, R-W.Va. as well as U.S. Reps. Carol Miller, W.Va.-01 and Riley Moore, W.Va.-02, said they applauded the president's approval for Individual Assistance in the four counties.
'We are grateful for the efforts and service of Governor Morrisey, local leaders, neighbors, first responders, and the West Virginia National Guardsmen who sprang into action when these storms struck. The Trump administration's approval of our state's request for federal disaster aid is welcome news for communities in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming counties as they work to recover and rebuild following these devastating storms, and we are glad that help will soon be on the way to southern West Virginia,' the lawmakers said in their joint statement.
While Mercer County doesn't have a disaster recovery center yet, FEMA will announce a location and its hours when arrangements are complete, Gunnoe said. An exact date for opening a center had not been set Thursday.
Meanwhile, counties are still working to help flood victims recover. In Mercer County, a dedicated phone line has been set up at the Mercer County 911 Center for reporting needs or requests for flooding resources from the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management. Callers will hear a prerecorded message asking them to leave a message including their name and telephone number. The messages are then forwarded to Keith Gunnoe at the Office of Emergency Services. The dedicated number is 304-487-2923.
In McDowell County, there is a helpline at 1-888-929-4966. Callers can use Option 1 to request help with non-life-threatening needs or Option 2 if they want to volunteer or make a donation.
Anyone wishing to have their well water tested that was affected by the flood, should contact the McDowell County WV Health Department at 304-448-2174.
The McDowell County Office of Emergency Services is accepting donations to help replace private bridges that were lost or damaged during the flood. Materials such as drainage pipe, bridge supports, beams and anything that can be used in this process are being accepted.
All donations of bridge material should be dropped off at the former Kimball Walmart office. Donors are asked to call ahead at the 1-888-929-4966 helpline before dropping off donations. In addition, anyone with equipment or those wishing to help in the replacement of these bridges is welcome.
Contact Greg Jordan at
gjordan@bdtonline.com
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