Capito, Manchin Announce $2.8 Million for Flood Protection in Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $2,817,600 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 (NRCS) and will support a voluntary buyout of approximately 30 properties to restore natural floodplain conditions, which will reduce flood risks and improve human health and safety.

“West Virginians know the dangers presented to our communities by flash flooding and the havoc that it can create. That’s why it’s essential that we make investments into flood protection efforts now so we can help guard our localities from potential destruction in the future. This funding will enhance our flood safety efforts in southern West Virginia along the Elkhorn Creek and Tug Fork River, and increase the safety of our residents in McDowell County. I’m glad to announce this funding today, and I look forward to seeing this project become a reality as a result,” Senator Capito said.

“West Virginia has been hit hard by serious flooding in recent years, impacting communities across our state. It is more important than ever that we work together to strengthen our flood protection and prevention measures,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased USDA is investing more than $2.8 million to bolster flood protection and damage reduction in the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of the project. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to ensure West Virginia communities are prepared for any storm or disaster that comes our way.”

Residents in the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed are often subjected to flooding due to concentrated real estate development in the floodplain. The West Virginia Flood Tool analyzed flood damages at 128 homes and buildings to determine a comprehensive, cost-effective solution, and 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.

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