WELCH, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) traveled to Welch, W.Va. where she made several stops in the area focused on ongoing flood recovery and infrastructure upgrades.
During the visit to Welch, Senator Capito met with Welch Mayor Harold McBride to discuss a number of topics, including a bridge infrastructure project. Next, Senator Capito traveled to the McDowell County 911 Center and Sheriff’s Office to discuss damage caused by the recent storms and ongoing recovery efforts. The visit concluded at the Welch Armory where Senator Capito met with local officials and agencies where they discussed recovery efforts that are already underway, as well as the community’s infrastructure needs.
“The recent flooding in southern West Virginia was devastating, and it continues to impact the way businesses and the local economy function today,” Senator Capito said. “I am grateful to Mayor McBride and other local leaders in Welch for the opportunity to tour recovery efforts and discuss with them directly the needs they have. While we’ve made progress in rebuilding efforts, we still have more work to do, and I am committed to doing what I can to help in this effort.”
BACKGROUND:
Following the storms, Senator Capito led the West Virginia Delegation in sending a letter to the Trump administration in support of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. Full text of the letter can be found here.
On February 26, President Trump approved Individual Assistance (IA) in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming counties. The IA Program provides funds to individuals experiencing significant damage to homes or property. The deadline to apply for these funds is April 28.
On March 19, President Trump approved Public Assistance (PA) in Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. On April 1, the president’s Major Disaster Declaration was amended to include PA for Boone and Raleigh counties, as well as IA for Raleigh County. The PA provides supplemental grants to state and local governments and certain private non-profits to cover their costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and infrastructure restoration. The deadline to apply for these funds for Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties is April 18, while the deadline for Raleigh and Boone counties is May 1.
Photos from today’s visit are below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with local leaders in Welch, W.Va. on Monday, April 14, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours recovery efforts with Mayor Harold McBride in Welch, W.Va. on Monday, April 14, 2025.
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