CALHOUN FLOOD DAMAGE FAILS TO REACH ASSISTANCE THRESHOLD

(06/20/2008)
President Bush has approved federal disaster assistance for 10 West Virginia counties hit by severe weather earlier this month.

Calhoun was not on the list, while receiving some damages, was not hit as hard as other regional counties.

"We tried to get recovery money for hay and road repair for the Department of Highways." said Kathy Wood, County OES Director.

About 15 people reported damage to the Calhoun Office of Emergency Services.

"I'm a little bit disappointed our local people will not get some help, but people here hang tough and are used to dealing with it," Wood said.

"It is likely the total damage didn't meet the threshold," she concluded.

State Homeland Security Director Jimmy Gianato said that assistance to individuals and households has been approved for Barbour, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Marion, Taylor and Tyler counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

Some nonprofit groups and local and state governments may be able to recoup part of their costs for emergency work and for the repair and replacement of facilities.

The counties eligible for public assistance include Barbour, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Marion and Taylor.