Gov. Tomblin Requests Individual and Public Assistance from the Federal Government for Six W.Va. Counties
Press Release
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government to assist with the ongoing recovery and repair efforts in central West Virginia following storms, which struck the area between June 12 and June 20, 2013, resulting in flooding, landslides, and mudslides. If granted the declaration would provide help to individuals, businesses, and local government agencies in Roane County. Also the approval of public assistance would provide help to local government agencies in Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, and Mason counties.
"We have spent the last several weeks assessing the damage and gathering the information needed for this request. It is clear, we have many West Virginians who need help," Gov. Tomblin said. "The storms were particularly destructive in the City of Spencer. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, floodwaters reached beyond the 100-year flood plain and, as a result, vital resources received significant flood damage. In nearby Mason County, local farmers, buses, mail delivery and local residents were affected by the closure of a highly traveled bridge which was damaged during the flooding."
Gov. Tomblin is requesting individual assistance from the federal government including the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling Program, and Disaster Legal Services for Roane County. He is also seeking Public Assistance for Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, and Roane Counties, as well as Hazard Mitigation for the entire state in accordance with the Stafford Act.
In response to the heavy rainfall which resulted in flooding, landslides, mudslides, and prompted first responders to perform four swift water rescues to prevent loss of life, Gov. Tomblin declared a state of emergency for Roane County on June 13, 2013. State resources, including 40 National Guard members, State Division of Highways crews, and West Virginia State Police, immediately assisted individuals, families, and the communities impacted by the storms.
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