Community Bulletin
Family medicine physician Andrew Colebank, DO, has joined WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital at the Brushy Fork Rural Health Clinic in Buckhannon, where he is now scheduling patients of all ages for appointments beginning in October. Read more →
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved about $6.8 million for 615 Upshur County households affected by the July 21-22 floods, according to agency data available October 19.
FEMA’s OpenFEMA records list 525 homeowners approved for assistance, totaling $6.36 million. Another 90 renter applications have been approved, totaling $445,376.
Home repair or replacement accounts for most of the homeowner assistance: $4.81 million. FEMA also lists $1.46 million for homeowners’ other needs and $90,508 in rental assistance.
For renters, the records show $401,532 in other needs assistance and $43,844 in rental assistance. FEMA’s reporting definitions say other needs assistance can cover expenses such as personal property, transportation and medical costs.
The dollar figures represent assistance approved under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. They do not show how much money each household has received.
Across the four counties represented in the disaster’s household assistance data — Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur — FEMA lists 1,375 approved applications and nearly $16.99 million in aid. The agency’s disaster summary, updated October 19, breaks that into $12.4 million in housing assistance and $4.59 million for other needs.
Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner said more than 7 inches of rain fell during the July 21 storm, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data showed a record crest on the Buckhannon River near Sand Run. State Police said two people died in the flooding and were found in a vehicle near Stonecoal Lake.
The August 4 major disaster declaration opened household aid to Upshur and Lewis counties, recovery centers opened in both counties on August 8, and UPLIFT launched to coordinate Upshur’s long-term recovery.
After the extended October 17 deadline announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office, FEMA says it accepts late applications for 60 days, case by case, if applicants explain their delay. Residents may appeal within 60 days of the date on FEMA’s decision letter and upload appeal documents through an account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
For help with a decision letter or appeal, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
