CHARLESTON, W.Va. — President Donald J. Trump this week made additional disaster assistance available to the State of West Virginia by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken in the State of West Virginia as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of June 22-29, 2016.
Under the major disaster declaration issued for the State of West Virginia on June 25, 2016, Federal funding was made available for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs Assistance at 75 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs.
Under the President’s order today, the Federal share for Public Assistance has been increased to 90 percent of the total eligible costs.
Gov. Jim Justice commented on President Trump’s decision to approved his request for a federal cost-share increase from 75 percent to 90 percent.
“This increase in our cost share is incredible news for our state and our people and is more proof that President Trump is the best friend West Virginia has ever had in the White House,” said Gov. Justice. “We could never thank President Trump enough for approving my request for more federal assistance.
“This support is going to allow us, as a State, the flexibility we need to truly rebuild lives.”
This grant funding, in response to the June 2016 Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, is awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance grant program.
With the recent award of $131,671,998.45 for the rebuilding of two Nicholas County Schools, the State of West Virginia met the threshold to receive this cost-share increase.
These funds allow FEMA to reimburse West Virginia 90 percent of eligible costs of emergency expenses, debris removal and infrastructure repair. The remaining 10 percent is provided by non-federal funds.
FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the State. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) works alongside FEMA at the State level on these recovery efforts.
