Sixteen More West Virginia Counties Designated For Federal Aid 

Release Date: November 22, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-242

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today designated 16 more West Virginia counties eligible for federal disaster aid to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover the effects of storms, floods and landslides that began on November 11.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the assistance was approved based on the results of further federal and state damage assessments. Six counties were initially designated for aid to affected residents and business owners under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush yesterday.

The additional eligible counties are Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer,Greenbrier, Marion, McDowell, Mercer, Monongalia, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, Wetzel and Wyoming.

The counties designated eligible for assistance yesterday were Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam and Wayne.

The assistance 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.

Affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can apply for assistance 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: Saturday, 22-Nov-2003 15:37:31