Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation are urging the federal government to approve a major disaster declaration for the state following widespread flooding that caused widespread damage.
In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, lawmakers voiced support for Governor Patrick Morrisey’s request for federal disaster assistance.
The request follows storms that began on February 15, bringing heavy rain, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides across 13 counties in central and southern West Virginia.
The letter, signed by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, along with Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore, emphasized the need for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) programs.
These programs would aid Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
The delegation also requested funding through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
“We urge you to do everything in your power to make sure that our communities have the federal support they need to rebuild and recover,” the lawmakers wrote.
If approved, the disaster declaration would provide financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses, and local governments working to repair storm-related damage.