CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is giving Derecho assistance to the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, announced Monday that $1,272,908 in FEMA funding was given to help the state recover from the June 2012 Derecho.
The funding will help offset the cost of activating the State’s Emergency Operations Center during the Derecho.
In a statement, Rockefeller voiced his appreciation for the extra funding.
“The storm cleanup was very costly and tapped into our state’s strained resources,” said Rockefeller in the statement. “I’m thankful FEMA recognized this and they’ve stepped in to provide West Virginia with this important financial relief.”
Manchin in his own statement was pleased as well.
“It is encouraging that additional funding will be provided to help assist county officials and state agencies rebuild our communities and lend a helping hand,” said Manchin.
During the Derecho, the Emergency Operations Center was activated by the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management for the sole purpose of providing 24-hour support to local emergency operations in several impacted counties and state agencies that lost power and water.
The center also provided several necessities to residents including drinking water, food, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and generators among other things.