CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Farmers in ten West Virginia counties now qualify for Emergency Loan Assistance through the USDA for the impact of the drought in West Virginia.
Governor Patrick Morrisey and state Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt announced Friday the U.S. Department of Agriculture had declared a state of emergency tied to the drought in those ten counties. Those impacted can get low interest loans to help defray expenses caused by the drought. Farmers in another ten contiguous counties may also be eligible for the funding.
“West Virginia’s farmers play an important role in our state’s economy, culture, and way of life,” said Governor Morrisey. “I want to thank the USDA and the Trump administration for stepping up to help West Virginians in need. My office will continue to work with the WVDA and our partners at the federal and local levels to provide assistance to those affected by the drought.”
The ten counties where the declarations were issued are: Barbour, Brooke, Lewis, Braxton, Hancock, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur, and Webster.
The contiguous counties where aid is also available include: Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Harrison, Kanawha, Ohio , Pendleton, Preston, Taylor, and Tucker Counties.