FEMA Seeking Property To Serve As Site For Temporary Housing 

Release Date: July 29, 2004
Release Number: 1522-100

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is searching for land to lease in southern West Virginia that will serve as a temporary mobile home park site for those who lost their homes, or saw them seriously damaged in the severe storms that struck Memorial Day weekend.

FEMA is looking specifically for parcels that are four to 10 acres, located in the Logan area of Logan County, and Lenore area of Mingo County. The site must be above the 100-year flood plain and should be relatively flat.

Additionally, the land should have access to power, telephone, and public water service. The site should have good access to public roads and basic community services, and has to be free of any contamination or mining waste that may cause a hazard to residents.

“We have simply exhausted all of our resources in finding suitable options to place these mobile home park sites in or around Logan and Lenore. We are now reaching out to the public with the hope that we can quickly establish a site and provide suitable housing for desperate families who are living in badly damaged homes, or in overcrowded conditions with friends or family,” said Lou Botta, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer.

The property owner should be willing to participate in a 24-month, rent-free lease. The owner will have the option to either retain all improvements after the lease expires, or have the property restored to its original condition.

Anyone who owns property that fits the above description in the Logan and Mingo county areas,
and is willing to help their fellow West Virginians who’ve been stricken by these storms, is urged to call FEMA and discuss a lease agreement for a temporary housing site. The toll-free number, 1-888-623-0279, will operate through Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

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: Thursday, 29-Jul-2004 09:52:10