WELCH — A $2.8 million federal funding award will allow for a voluntary buyout of approximately 30 structures located within a McDowell County floodplain, officials said Tuesday.
According to U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., the $2,817,600 award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be used to strengthen flood protection and flood damage reduction in the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed.
The funding is through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and will support a voluntary buyout of approximately 30 properties to restore natural floodplain conditions. That, in return, will reduce flood risks and improve human health and safety, the two lawmakers said in a joint statement.
McDowell County has seen several devastating floods in recent years.
Residents in the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed in McDowell County are often subjected to flooding due to concentrated real estate development in the floodplain, the two lawmakers said.
The West Virginia Flood Tool recommended the voluntary buyout, demolition and restoration of approximately 30 properties in the floodplain.
The project will reduce flood risks throughout the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed and enhance flood safety for the surrounding communities.