Charleston Leader

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, along with U.S. Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore, have reached out to President Donald J. Trump and FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Lilian Hutchinson. They are advocating for a major disaster declaration for West Virginia due to recent severe weather events.

In their letter, the delegation highlighted the significant impact of severe storms that hit central and southern West Virginia starting February 15, 2025. These storms resulted in heavy rains, strong winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides affecting 13 counties.

The request for federal disaster aid was submitted by Governor Patrick Morrisey on February 17, 2025. It seeks assistance under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The appeal includes requests for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Public Assistance Program targeting Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. Additionally, there is a request for support from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program across the state.

The delegation expressed appreciation for local first responders and volunteers while emphasizing the ongoing need for federal support: “We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders... Nevertheless, the demand for aid remains substantial."

They urged prompt consideration of West Virginia's request to ensure communities receive necessary federal support to recover.