All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov Justice: $1.9 million in Hazard Mitigation Grants Awarded to Wood County

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced that the State of West Virginia has been awarded $1,922,410 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to acquire and demolish 11 flood-prone residential structures located in Wood County.

This grant funding, in response to the June 2016 Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, is part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The purpose of HMGP is to enact mitigation measures reducing the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.

The grant award provides funding to Wood County for the acquisition and demolition of 11 single-family homes. The removal of these homes will reduce future flood loss and National Flood Insurance Program payments as well as the need for emergency and medical response during flood events.

“This funding allows us to remove more West Virginia families from harm’s way,” said Gov. Justice. “Projects like these save our citizens money and free up assets to allow us to help more people during emergencies. We thank our federal partners for their help in getting us this funding.”

The properties are to be converted to green space and deed restricted in accordance with FEMA program requirements pursuant to 44 CFR 206.434 (e). The completed work will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the State. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) works alongside FEMA at the State level on these recovery efforts. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipient receives this award.

The HMGP is one of the many voluntary grant programs available following a disaster. HMGP is funded by FEMA and managed in West Virginia by DHSEM.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.