Letter to Hon. Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States - West Virginia Delegation Calls on Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration for Severe Flooding Damage in Southwestern West Virginia

Letter

Dear President Biden:

As members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, we write to support Governor Jim Justice's request for a federal disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia after heavy rain storms inundated southwestern West Virginia on May 6, 2022 causing widespread damage and one fatality.

Severe flooding from heavy rainfall caused significant damages to many residences and businesses across four counties. Flood waters rose so rapidly in Cabell County that they swept one resident right off his tractor and, tragically, took his life. These counties also sustained power outages and blocked roadways from downed trees, high water, and other debris. Emergency response teams performed multiple swift water rescues to evacuate residents and stranded motorists in the area. Schools were dismissed early to ensure the safety of the students.

To access federal disaster aid, West Virginia Governor Justice has made a request for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of West Virginia, submitted June 3, 2022, 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). According to the Preliminary Damage Assessment for the Individuals and Households program, 150 residences were affected by this event. We respectfully request that you review this request for all categories of Individual Assistance for Cabell and Wayne counties, as well as Hazard Mitigation assistance for the entire state.

We commend the tireless efforts that local citizens, first responders, and the volunteer organizations have put forth to aid our great state in the aftermath of such a weather event 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.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.