WV leaders ask FEMA to reconsider individual disaster aid decisi - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

WV leaders ask FEMA to reconsider individual disaster aid decision

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Rep. David McKinley Rep. David McKinley
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
Sen. Joe Manchin Sen. Joe Manchin

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West Virginia's political leaders started pressuring FEMA today to reconsider its decision to not give individual aid to those affected by the June 29 derecho storm that hit the state.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Thursday made the announcement Thursday. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said after the decision was announced that he would ask the agency to reconsider its decision.

FEMA approved public assistance for the Mountain State, but declined to give individual assistance.

Today, members of the state's Congressional delegation said they also want FEMA's decision to be reversed.

Damage from the storm was heavy and widespread, causing some residents to struggle, U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., said in a news release.

"FEMA's decision to deny assistance to the victims of the devastating June storm is both disappointing and wrong," he said in the news release. "The violent storm damaged property, displaced residents, and disrupted business all across the state. Nearly 700,000 West Virginians lost power, some for over a week. Many families have struggled in the aftermath of the storm, and these victims deserve to have access to all available assistance.

"Although we are unaware of Gov. Tomblin's course of action, we are already working with the rest of the West Virginia delegation to appeal to FEMA in a unified effort to reverse this decision."

U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., wants an opportunity to discuss the decision with FEMA officials, she said in a news release.

"Over half of our state was without power following the massive June storm," she said in the news release.  "The derecho caused sweeping damage across our state, and some areas are still cleaning up debris.  I urge FEMA to reconsider their decision to deny individual disaster assistance to residents of West Virginia and hope representatives will accept my invitation to speak with me and state leaders to discuss this decision in-depth."

Capito expressed her concerns in a letter to FEMA. A copy of the letter is here.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said he will work from the Senate side to get FEMA to reconsider.

"I am working with the members of our state's Congressional delegation to urge the president to reconsider FEMA's denial of individual assistance to residents after recent storms," Manchin said in a news release. "I am disappointed in FEMA's decision, but I am determined to continue to fight for the recovery funds that are vital to so many West Virginians.

"I saw the devastation firsthand and witnessed the heavy toll this took on our communities, our economy and our people. I will continue working tirelessly to make sure our state and our people get the help they need and deserve."