West Virginia: Mcdowell, Raleigh And Mercer Counties Now Eligibile For Federal Disaster Aid

Additional areas can be added as damage assessments continue

May 27, 2009 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared three additional southern West Virginia counties eligible for disaster aid following extensive flooding earlier this month.

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McDowell and Raleigh Counties have been added for individual assistance and public assistance, and Mercer County for public assistance. Gov. Manchin this past weekend had requested the additional counties be added to the existing declaration for Mingo and Wyoming counties.

“Flood recovery takes many months, however, I am pleased that FEMA has been on site so quickly and is already helping West Virginians to rebuild,” Manchin said. “As the immediate disaster recovery groups complete their missions and begin to pullout, it is comforting for the flood victims to know that state and federal assistance is here and that we’re prepared to help put the pieces back in order.”

The counties thus far declared for individual assistance are Mingo, McDowell, Raleigh and Wyoming. The counties declared for public assistance are Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, Raleigh and Wyoming. More counties may be added later as damage assessments and flood recovery continue.

Residents and business owners in the affected counties can apply for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs under the individual assistance program.

Assistance may include temporary housing and housing repair, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster-related expenses not met by other programs.

Residents, business owners and those who work in the declared counties who suffered disaster-related losses should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Calls center hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Applications are also taken online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

The public assistance grants provide assistance to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Source: West Virginia Governor