Business, Government Legal News from throughout WVTomblin seeks major federal disaster declaration

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Nov. 1 his intentions to seek a major federal disaster declaration.

If the request is granted, the areas hit hardest by hurricane-turned-superstorm Sandy will see both public and individual assistance.

Tomblin and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., are traveling the state to assess damage and talk with local emergency management officials. Rep. Nick Rahall, also D-W.Va., traveled through the central and southern portions of the state with Tomblin and Manchin Oct. 31.

Rahall is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency response programs.

"Working and speaking in depth with state and local officials yesterday and today, I want to survey for myself the damage caused by the storm, so that I am fully armed to make the strongest possible case for all of the federal resources that can be mustered to help West Virginia families and businesses to recover quickly," Rahall said. "I have already been in contact with FEMA Administrator (Craig) Fugate and Homeland Security Secretary (Janet) Napolitano to stress the urgent needs of our state, especially in regard to water, food, and generators, and I will continue to press the agency for all possible assistance."

Superstorm Sandy brought with it heavy winds and blizzard-like conditions to many areas throughout West Virginia, hitting particularly hard in portions of Southern West Virginia, the Potomac Highlands and Eastern Panhandle. Hundreds of thousands of customers experienced power outages, and crews are estimating it could take 10 days before customers in the hardest-hit areas see their power restored. Meanwhile, Tomblin encouraged the state's residents to remain patient.

"The last couple days have been difficult, and unfortunately due to the damage to our power lines, many West Virginians will be without power for several days," Tomblin said. "I ask all West Virginians to remain patient and to do what West Virginians do best-take care of your neighbors."