Public Assistance Approved For Six West Virginia Counties 

Release Date: November 26, 2003
Release Number: 1500-09

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CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended the major disaster declaration for 22 West Virginia counties to include Public Assistance for the counties of Boone, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan and Wayne. All these counties except Logan were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

The designation means that local governments in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing, restoring or replacing damaged public facilities. Disaster assistance also may be provided to certain private non-profit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other essential government facilities.

“This means that state agencies and local governments in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to fund 75 percent of the approved costs under the Public Assistance Program,” said Bolch. Emergency protective measures are those activities undertaken by a community before, during and following a disaster to save lives and protect public health and safety.

“We are pleased that FEMA is providing public assistance funding so local governments can continue with their recovery,” said State Coordinating Officer Steve Kappa. Public Assistance briefings will be held to explain the application process to state and local government officials and certain private non-profit organizations. “State and federal officials will be available at the briefings to provide information and answer questions about the Public Assistance Program,” said Kappa. Damage assessments are ongoing in several additional counties.

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: Monday, 01-Dec-2003 09:12:51