Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited Welch, West Virginia, on April 14, 2025, to assess flood recovery and infrastructure efforts. During her visit, she engaged with local leadership, including Welch Mayor Harold McBride, discussing a bridge infrastructure project and damage caused by recent storms.

Senator Capito also visited the McDowell County 911 Center and Sheriff's Office to address the ongoing recovery efforts following severe flooding in the region. Her visit concluded with a meeting at the Welch Armory with local officials and agencies to discuss the community’s immediate needs for recovery and infrastructure advancements.

“The recent flooding in southern West Virginia was devastating, and it continues to impact the way businesses and the local economy function today,” Senator Capito stated. “I am grateful to Mayor McBride and other local leaders in Welch for the opportunity to tour recovery efforts and discuss with them directly the needs they have. While we’ve made progress in rebuilding efforts, we still have more work to do, and I am committed to doing what I can to help in this effort.”

In the aftermath of the storms, Senator Capito led the West Virginia Delegation in advocating for a major disaster declaration, recognized by President Trump for providing assistance to affected counties. Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) programs were approved for multiple counties, with deadlines for applications set for late April and early May.