WEST VIRGINIA DELEGATION PUSHES FOR DISASTER DECLARATION APPROVAL

Letter

Dear President Biden and Regional Administrator Tierney,

As members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, we write in support of Governor
Jim Justice's appeal request for a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia after severe and numerous storms washed through our State causing widespread damage. Heavy
rains caused damages by flooding, landslides, and mudslides in 5 counties throughout central
and southern West Virginia from August 28, 2023 to August 30, 2023.

Persistent rains resulted in major flooding events in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and
Kanawha Counties. As the heavy downpour of rains fell, areas surrounding rivers, creeks and
small streams were unable to absorb the excess precipitation causing flooding and residential
damage.

To access federal disaster aid, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has made an appeal
request for a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia, submitted October 25,
2023, under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5208 (Stafford Act). We respectfully ask that
you carefully review the request that specifically outlines Individual Assistance for Boone,
Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha Counties as well as Hazard Mitigation statewide.

We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders, as well as the
invaluable contributions of our neighbors and volunteers. Nevertheless, the demand for aid
remains substantial, and 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. Therefore, we kindly
request that you thoroughly consider the State of West Virginia's appeal for a major disaster
declaration to address the enduring challenges our communities are facing.

Sincerely,

Source