Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller, Congressman Riley Moore, and Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice have reached out to President Donald J. Trump and FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Lilian Hutchinson in support of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey's request for a major disaster declaration. This appeal follows severe weather events that impacted the state.

The delegation emphasized the damage caused by storms, including heavy rains, winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides affecting 13 counties in central and southern West Virginia since February 15, 2025.

In their letter, they stated: "As members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, we write in support of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia following recent severe weather events."

Governor Morrisey submitted his request on February 17 under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The delegation is seeking federal aid through FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Public Assistance Program for several counties including Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming. They also requested assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.

The lawmakers expressed gratitude towards first responders and volunteers while stressing the ongoing need for federal aid: "We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders... Nevertheless, the demand for aid remains substantial."

They concluded with a plea for thorough consideration of West Virginia's needs: "Therefore, we kindly request that you thoroughly consider the State of West Virginia's request for a major disaster declaration to address our communities’ recovery needs."