WASHINGTON (WV News) — Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne county flood victims earlier this year are now able to apply for emergency aid, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday.
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.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
“I am pleased President Biden approved the disaster declaration for the heavy rainstorms at the end of February that caused flooding, landslides and mudslides in central and southwestern West Virginia. This is welcome news and will provide much-needed support to the Mountain State and our communities impacted by the storm. Thank you to the first responders, National Guard members, local citizens and the Biden administration for helping our communities recover and rebuild,” Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said.
Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo and Wayne counties.
“The hills and valleys of West Virginia make our state incredibly susceptible to flash flooding. This damage can be devastating, leading to major destruction in our communities. I am especially thankful for the response efforts of all of our first responders and the West Virginia National Guard during the heavy rainfall in Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties earlier this year. The approval of this declaration today will provide the federal support needed to see the necessary recovery efforts through,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said.
“The approval of this disaster declaration will provide critical resources to counties who were hit the hardest by the winter storms,” congressional representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Carol Miller added.
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.