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West Virginia Governor Asks Obama for $310M in Flood Aid
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is asking President Barack Obama for another $310 million to fuel West Virginia’s long-term economic recovery and community rebuilding after deadly floods in June.
Tomblin requested the Community Development Block Grant in a letter Wednesday. Tomblin spokeswoman Jessica Tice says the money would come in a congressional package also aiding Louisiana with recent floods.
The money would be beyond the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s cost share of either 75 or 90 percent of about $300 million in damages.
FEMA has already approved $33.1 million in housing aid and $6.3 million for other individual needs.
Tomblin’s letter says recovery requires rebuilding economically depressed communities that need new opportunities.
The June 23 floods killed 23 people and affected 5,100 homes and businesses, about 90 percent without flood insurance.