BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Multiple agencies and partners, including representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), continue recovery efforts from the July 21 in flood in Buckhannon.
President Donald Trump issued a federal disaster declaration not long after the flood and FEMA soon moved into an office on the second floor of the Upshur County Development Authority. City spokesman Randy Sanders said FEMA has been meeting with residents, business owners and city leaders and has advised the community partners to establish a long-term recovery committee. The committee will be made up of nonprofits, government agencies, elected officials, business leaders, and members of the community.
“Establishing a long-term recovery group in the city,” Sanders said. “It is really helpful, and it has really opened our eyes to the fact that it is going to be a year or two before things are back to normal here in Buckhannon.”
Local nonprofits have been helping through the flood response since floodwaters retreated back to their banks. The organizations have offered showers, financial help, food, and many other important things that have helped the recovery continue. Those local groups need donations in order to continue the amount of long-term support that will be needed.
“Recovery attempts through our foundations, like the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur Foundation and the Tyagrt Valley United Way, are still helping us,” Sanders said. “If we could get some more donations coming in for those because we are meeting with families in need and helping them.”
The FEMA office at 21 East Main Street is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to process claims for emergency assistance for individuals or businesses. Residents who have experienced damage are asked to bring documentation and pictures of damage to the office and meet with FEMA officials.
“They’ve met with a lot of residents and survivors of the flood, but we really want everyone to go in and just see what options are available with FEMA,” Sanders said. “Those are grants that FEMA is giving when you’re eligible, it’s nothing that has to be paid back.”
As recovery continues, more damage is being analyzed and quantified, and more building materials and tools are needed. Sanders encouraged businesses or individuals that might have excess building materials or tools to step in and help out.
“We need to get some building materials lined up,” Sanders said. “It’s a little bit of everything—bodies—and we need companies that can step up and provide some building materials that we can systematically get out to the homes.”
Sanders said one aspect returning to normal is the use of city parks and facilities. On Sept. 4, Jawbone Park and North End Park will reopen for public use for the Labor Day holiday.
“It’s nothing sponsored by the city, just some families and organizations coming together,” Sanders said. “That’s a good sign to see those parks start to be utilized by people again to get the stress out—get out, have a picnic and enjoy Labor Day.”