CHARLESTON – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday that the federal government accepted his request for Individual Assistance in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming counties following flooding earlier this month in southern West Virginia.

Other counties in the request still remain under consideration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Individual Assistance Program provides funds to individuals experiencing significant damage to homes or property.

“I’m grateful to President (Donald) Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem for stepping up to support West Virginians in need,” Morrisey said in a press release announcing the declaration. “Thank you as well to Senators (Shelley Moore) Capito and (Jim) Justice, and to Representatives (Carol) Miller and (Riley) Moore, for their efforts. The Major Disaster Declaration will supplement the work being completed on the ground and provide relief to recovering communities in southern West Virginia.”

The declaration also provides the opportunity for all West Virginia counties to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which can provide resources to alleviate or reduce future flooding and assist public service districts with wastewater treatment and other long-term hazard reduction projects.

Morrisey’s Public Assistance request is still under review by FEMA. For information on how to apply for assistance, visit FEMA’s website at fema.gov.