Drought relief being sought for West Virginia

West Virginia leaders are working to get federal aid to the state because of the drought.

All 55 West Virginia counties have been under a state of emergency since July 26. He recently extended the emergency for another 30 days.

Farmers have been devastated by the lack of water for their crops, and the resulting lack of feed for their livestock.

Emergency loan applications are already available from the Small Business Administration, but other aid may be requested from FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We’re working with the governor’s office, any time that we can help him, or help our farmers. Declaring a State of Emergency automatically kicks in some relief funding. In this case that hasn’t occurred,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R) West Virginia.

Sen. Capito spent much of the August Congressional recess touring West Virginia, and visiting farms and communities hard hit by the drought. High fire danger continues in many counties due the lack of water and dried out vegetation.