WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) and Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.), announced that West Virginia will receive $17 million in disaster recovery funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG) program. This program was included in the recently passed Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act.
“This disaster recovery funding will bring relief to our state as it continues to grapple with the devastation from this summer’s flooding, and I was determined to see that West Virginia’s needs not be overlooked. There is still a long road ahead, but this funding is a significant down payment for our communities requiring immediate help. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will keep working to secure additional funding to rebuild infrastructure, help families recover and get businesses up and running,” said Senator Capito.
“Although West Virginians have a great deal of work to do, the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors is stronger than ever before. This funding is an important first installment to support ongoing efforts to rebuild homes, businesses, schools and communities that were devastated this summer as a result of the historic flooding,” Senator Manchin said. “I will continue to fight to ensure that West Virginia receives its fair share of federal disaster recovery funding so we can rebuild the strong, sustainable communities our people deserve.”
“These funds are another down payment for future West Virginia flood aid. I will continue to use my role on the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for more funding that we need to help us rebuild,” said Congressman Jenkins.
“The announcement of this grant is welcome news. Over the last few months, thousands of West Virginia families have been devastated by severe storms and dangerous flooding. While we still have a long way to go, these funds will aid the recovery effort and help both businesses and individuals get back on their feet,” said Congressman McKinley.
“As West Virginians continue to recover and rebuild after the devastating floods, we must make sure federal funding is available for our communities in need. The $17 million that West Virginia is receiving through the Department of Housing and Urban Development will help West Virginians come back stronger than ever,” said Congressman Mooney.
HUD allocated funds from the Continuing Appropriations Act to states based on unmet disaster recovery needs. Recognizing that additional funding beyond the down payment included in the Continuing Appropriations Act will be necessary, the delegation also requested in a letter to HUD that West Virginia be included in any disaster supplemental appropriations proposal that the administration submits to Congress later this year. Read the letter here.
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