March 19, 2012

Manchin Urges Quick Review and Approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Lincoln, Logan, Mingo Counties

Washington, D.C. – In a letter today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) urged the Administration to quickly review and approve Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for the declaration of a major disaster for the state of West Virginia after more severe weather hit the state March 15. 

“The severe storm of March 15 comes on the heels of a destructive weather system that plagued much of the same area less than one month ago,” Senator Manchin wrote in the letter. “As a result of relentless rain coupled with saturated soil, local emergency resources are severely strained. Many residents of the counties affected by the storms are low-income and elderly. These residents are struggling to pull together every resource to rebuild, and they rightly deserve assistance from their government during their most vulnerable hour.” 

“To access federal disaster aid, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin made a request for a declaration of major disaster for the State of West Virginia... I respectfully request that you review his request as quickly as possible and give the request every appropriate consideration.”

Last Friday, Governor Tomblin announced that federal storm damage relief had been granted for Doddridge, Harrison, Lincoln, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor and Wayne counties. Those federal funds will assist communities across the state that were affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, mudslides and landslides between February 29 and March 5. 

A full copy of the letter is attached. 

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