Help Wanted
The City of Buckhannon's Waste Collection Department is hiring one full-time garbage truck collection helper, starting at $15 an hour with full city benefits, a work boot allowance and clothing provided. Applications are due August 17. Read more →
This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners
FEMA representatives are coming to Upshur and Lewis counties soon to meet with flood victims and help them apply for federal aid.
President Donald J. Trump approved a major disaster declaration for West Virginia on Tuesday, FEMA announced, making federal money available to individuals and families in Upshur and Lewis counties who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides of July 21-22. The official declaration follows Monday’s announcement that Trump had agreed to release at least $4.5 million in recovery money for the two counties.
The City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission said FEMA and state officials are working out where in Buckhannon residents will be able to talk with federal personnel face-to-face.
“FEMA representatives will be arriving in Upshur County soon to meet with residents, assist with applications, and help document storm-related losses,” the two agencies said in a joint statement. “We will announce the exact location and hours as soon as FEMA confirms them.”
Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover, according to FEMA.
Lewis County commissioner Agnes Queen advised residents to wait before applying for FEMA aid. Several people who applied early said on social media that they were denied because no disaster had been declared.
“Please do not try to fill out official FEMA forms until they open their office in Lewis County, which we expect to be one day next week,” Queen told residents. “Once their offices are up and running, we will let you know.”
Once that happens, people who sustained losses should first file claims with their insurance providers, FEMA said, and then apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.
Mark K. O’Hanlon has been named the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in the affected areas.
FEMA said additional designations may be made later if damage assessments warrant them. West Virginia’s request, which Gov. Patrick Morrisey sent to Trump on July 25, covered seven counties.
