GARY, W.Va. — The February flooding caused extensive damage across McDowell County, and one neighborhood has been struggling to get to and fro ever since.
While President Trump approved Individual and Public Assistance for McDowell County, the community on Sunburst Drive in Gary was not able to pull from federal or state funds to fix the bridge that was formerly their only entry point.
The bridge was not eligible for this help because it was a private bridge that was not state-owned.
According to a Wednesday release from the office of Governor Patrick Morrisey, the state DEP partnered with the local government and multiple businesses to build an alternate route.
The project saw close to a quarter-mile worth of road be built to access the neighborhood.
“This is a great example of West Virginians pulling together to solve a problem. State and local officials worked side-by-side with our coal and industry partners to make sure these families once again have a safe, reliable way to get in and out of their neighborhood. I want to thank everyone who stepped up to make this happen,” Morrisey said in a statement.
“Everyone rolled up their sleeves to get the job done and we are proud to have played a role in ensuring the safety of our neighbors on Sunburst Drive,” said McDowell County Commissioner Cecil Patterson.
The release from Morrisey’s office also boasted the broader scope of recovery efforts in McDowell County since the floods.
Since February, the DOH has allocated an estimated $19 million in 184 road and infrastructure repairs. Between the DEP, the National Guard, and the state Conservation Agency, 208 different projects have been completed, which cost $20.3 million in state resources, labor, and equipment