Morrisey: Discussions With U.S. Homeland Security Staff About Ohio County Flood Already Underway
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WHEELING - West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said residents affected by this week's flood damage need to fill out assistance damage surveys, and then he will speak to President Donald Trump to push the need for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for Ohio County. He already has been in contact with senior staff members at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he added.
Morrisey came to Wheeling for a press conference Wednesday morning, and announced 690 surveys have been submitted so far. But he isn't certain how long the process will take.
"There's no timeline right now," he said. "Right now we're in the collection mode in terms of the surveys. As soon as we do that, we will be submitting to FEMA.
"We're going to get the word out on the survey instrument. I know that we're going to work very fast to get that application in."
Morrisey added he has talked to people within the Trump administration "to let them know we're working on it, and it will be coming in."
"We've also been coordinating with our federal delegation, and they know this is happening, as well." he continued. "We expect to have a united front to get this out."
Morrisey acknowledged he hasn't spoken yet on the issue to President Trump, with whom he has a good relationship.
"But I've talked to a number of senior people, and had a chance to catch up with Homeland Security Security Kristi Noem." he said. "She has had some health issues recently, but we have been talking with senior people in the administration.
"I know President Trump cares deeply about West Virginia. He really does. So I'm going to make my best argument to him as to why Ohio County in West Virginia and Marion County... all these areas deserve the help to get our citizens back on the right track."
Lou Vargo, director of the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, explained there are two types of FEMA assistance.
The first is public assistance available to government entities to help them recover expenses spent during flood recovery. The money can be for the repair of infrastructure and roads, or even the cost of diesel fuel used during the event.
The second type of FEMA assistance is for individuals who sustained property loss during the flood.
Morrisey, Vargo and other officials urge flood victims to complete the survey that can be accessed at emd.wv.gov/disastersurvey.
Those not having access to technology may call 211 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to report their damage.