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West Virginia Official: $2 Million In Chemical Spill Costs Reimbursable
By: Associated Press
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A West Virginia homeland security official thinks responders for a Jan. 9 chemical spill into the water supply could receive $2 million in federal help.
Homeland security official Greg Myers says the estimate covers state and local agencies, and select nonprofits, like volunteer fire departments. He says the total could grow.
Public agencies and nonprofits could receive Federal Emergency Management Agency grants for related costs incurred Jan. 9-20, including overtime, temporary employees and contractors, and use of equipment, like ambulances.
After denying assistance, FEMA agreed to a state appeal for reimbursement grants.
FEMA covers 75 percent of the costs. The state covers the rest.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin estimates a $61 million economic loss over nine counties, where 300,000 people couldn't use tap water for days.