Federal Disaster Aid Authorized For West Virginia Storms
Release Date: June 8, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-084
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid has been made available for West Virginia to help families and businesses recover from the effects of a series of severe storms that began late last month, the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said President Bush authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration signed last night after a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms, flooding and landslides beginning on May 27.
Immediately after the declaration, Brown designated the following 24 counties eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt and Wyoming.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that damage surveys are continuing and more counties and assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of the assessments. He named Louis H. Botta of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Botta said affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 08-Jun-2004 12:22:28