DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ASSISTS WEST VIRGINIA SEVERE STORM RECOVERY

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
US Department of Labor grant to assist West Virginia's recovery after severe storms and flooding

WASHINGTON — A $250,000 National Emergency Grant announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor will assist West Virginians with cleanup and recovery efforts following the severe storms and flooding that struck the state on June 13, 2013.
"These storms and the associated flooding caused significant damage in central West Virginia," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow. "The Labor Department's funding is part of the federal government's commitment to assist the state with cleanup and help those affected by the severe storms return to normalcy."
The funds are being awarded to WorkForce West Virginia and will be used to create temporary jobs for eligible individuals who will assist with the cleanup and recovery efforts.
On July 26, 2013, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the West Virginia counties of Mason and Roane eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The state plans to target Roane County for assistance under this grant. Additional counties may be included at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion.

WEST VIRGINIA TO RECEIVE $6.8 MILLION IN DISASTER AID

FROM:  FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- More than $6.8 million in federal funds have been approved for residents and businesses in West Virginia recovering from the recent storms and flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $4.48 million in grants to individuals and households in need of assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and businesses for more than $2.37 million.

Five Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed with state and federal disaster-assistance experts, were set up in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne (2) counties to help guide survivors through the recovery process and to answer questions about state and federal programs. The last operating DRC, in Logan, is set to close at noon on Friday, May 11.

Nearly $1.3 million in additional funds have been requested through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, which shoulders at least 75 percent of the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair and replacement of publicly owned buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged in the storms and floods. Help also might be available under the program for certain nonprofits that provide services of a governmental nature, like private schools, hospitals, volunteer fire departments and utilities.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21. Call FEMA's Help Line at 800-621-3362 or log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. To register via any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

Counties designated for FEMA's Individuals and Households Assistance Program are Harrison, Logan, Lincoln, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne. Counties designated for Public Assistance Program are Doddridge, Harrison, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor and Wayne.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.