UPDATE
Backing up Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's disaster declaration, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is also seeking help for the state.
According to a press release, Manchin wrote a letter to President Barack Obama in support of Tomblin's disaster declaration.
"The residents of my state were hit with a ferocious storm followed by days, and in some cases weeks, without electricity. With cell phone towers and power lines down, I am proud to say that, yet again, West Virginians pulled together in the face of adversity," Manchin wrote. "I urge you to give every appropriate consideration to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request, and extend much-needed assistance to the communities in West Virginia that are struggling to re-build."
West Virginia officials have officially requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, D-W.Va., put in the request to get assistance with recovery and repairs from the storms between June 29 and July 10. If the federal government grants the request, it would provide infrastructure repair. West Virginia is already receiving assistance to address health and safety concerns.
"With the vast majority of West Virginians having their power restored, our efforts are now focused on cleanup and repair. That is why I am requesting additional assistance from the federal government," said Tomblin in a news release from his office on Tuesday. "If granted, this new declaration will provide financial assistance to our state agencies, counties, cities, towns and public service districts."
Federal Emergency Management Agency teams and West Virginia emergency teams are conducting preliminary assessments on residential and private sector business properties
The governor's request specifically asks for public assistance in removing debris, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities and other needs. Those requests would cover the following counties: Barbour, Boone Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming.
Tomblin's request also covers hazard mitigation funds to be available to all 55 counties.
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