Upshur officials pleased by federal funding announcement
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BUCKHANNON - Local officials responded with gratitude and relief after Monday’s announcement that $4.5 million in federal funding will be coming to flood-ravaged Upshur and Lewis counties.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Monday that President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $4.5 million in expedited Individual Assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties, while federal disaster officials review storm damage in five other West Virginia counties.
"This is an important first step," Morrisey said. "Approximately $4.5 million is available now, and we expect that amount to grow as additional damage information is reviewed."
A combined press statement from the City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission responded, "This critical support will help eligible homeowners and renters in the designated counties while the federal review of additional disaster impacts continues. We thank Governor Morrisey, our entire West Virginia delegation at the federal level and state level for their tireless efforts in securing this funding.
"This funding precedes the anticipated full FEMA Disaster Declaration, which remains under federal review," the release states. "If approved, the declaration would unlock additional assistance programs for individuals, businesses, and local governments affected by the recent flooding.
State Senator Robbie Morris, R-11th District, said the federal funding announcement was "welcome news for our flood recovery efforts."
"This declaration marks an important milestone. It authorizes FEMA to begin implementing the federal assistance programs included in the declaration and to coordinate with state and local officials as recovery efforts continue," Morris said.
"As those programs are put into place, additional information will be provided regarding available assistance, eligibility requirements, and the application process for those who may qualify.
"This is an important step forward for the families, businesses, and communities that have endured so much over the past several weeks," Morris said. "While much work remains, today's announcement ensures that additional federal resources are now available to support our recovery.
"I want to thank President Trump for approving this declaration, Gov. Morrisey and his administration for their leadership throughout this process, our congressional delegation for their support and advocacy, and the many state and local officials, first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who have worked tirelessly since this disaster began."
The Flood Relief Donation Center at the Auxiliary Gym at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon officially concluded operations Sunday.
"All remaining donated items were successfully transported to our partners in Lewis County, where they will be distributed through the Lewis County Distribution Center located in the former Kroger building at the Market Place Plaza," the city/county press release noted. "This seamless transition ensures that donated goods continue reaching families in Upshur and Lewis counties while supporting regional cooperation across county lines."
In Buckhannon, the West Virginia National Guard, the West Virginia Devision of Highways, and the City of Buckhannon "are working daily to collect flood related debris, moving systematically through impacted neighborhoods. Residents are urged to move all flood-related debris to their property line," the release stated.
Two Upshur County residents died in the July 21 flooding. In Upshur and Lewis counties alone, 33 homes were destroyed, with 91 other homes experiencing major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted.