WASHINGTON, D.C. — West Virginia’s congressional delegation announced Friday the state will receive $17 million in long term flood recovery money from the federal government.
The announcement came from 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.).
The money comes in the form of a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. It’s part of the funding bill passed last week by Congress.
“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,” said Capito in a news release.
“Although West Virginians have a great deal of work to do, the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors is stronger than ever before,” Manchin said in the release. “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 Jenkins in a statement.
McKinley said in a release, “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.”
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has asked for a total of $310 million in long term recovery funds following the June 23 flood.