Trump administration approves disaster assistance for Upshur, Lewis counties

The federal government has signed off on disaster assistance to two West Virginia counties hit hard by last month’s deadly storms and flooding. The Trump administration approved $4.5 million in individual assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties, according to a news release from Gov. Patrick Morrisey. 

“I spoke to President Trump this afternoon and thanked him for acting quickly to approve this request and deliver help to the people of West Virginia,” Morrisey said in the news release Monday afternoon. “Families in our hardest-hit communities have endured tremendous hardship, and this expedited approval will provide critical assistance as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. This is an important first step. Approximately $4.5 million is available now, and we expect that amount to grow as additional damage information is reviewed.”

Storms on July 21 and 22 brought 9 tornadoes and up to about 7 inches of rain in some areas of the state, leading to flash flooding. Central West Virginia was among the hardest hit. Flooding killed two people in Upshur County. 

Morrisey requested an expedited major disaster declaration for Lewis and Upshur counties along with Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Pleasants and Ritchie counties. The state’s congressional delegation also sent a letter requesting the Trump administration approve the request. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still reviewing damage in other counties, Morrisey’s office said in a news release.

President Donald Trump reportedly announced his approval for assistance to Upshur and Lewis counties on his social media platform Truth Social. 

“I just spoke with Patrick Morrisey, the GREAT Governor of West Virginia, a State I love and WON BIG, with Record Setting Votes, three times, and told him I am approving 4.5 Million Dollars for severe storms, winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides they experienced, and are still recovering from,” he wrote. “West Virginia is represented strongly by the Governor, Senators Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito, along with Members of Congress, Riley Moore and Carol Miller. I LOVE WEST VIRGINIA! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The governor’s office said FEMA is still working with state and local officials conducting damage assessments, and said additional assistance may become available as those assessments continue and more information is submitted for consideration.