Sunday, May 17, 2009
Updated Mingo County Update
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – Sunday, May 17, 2009 – Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have arrived in Mingo County and are currently assessing damage caused by flooding May 9.
Early this morning, FEMA Coordinator Ed Budnick met with Mingo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Jarrod Fletcher, the Mingo County Commission (MCC) and Mingo County Prosecutor C. Michael Sparks to review the county’s recovery plan, its process and progress. Officials discussed contracts related to the cleanup as Budnick explained and clarified situations that could complicate the funding process. Budnick said this process is an effort to avoid any situations that would delay FEMA funding.
The cleanup process began immediately after flood waters receeded and Mingo County was declared a national disaster area. Significant progress has been made, but county agencies, the National Guard and volunteer organizations agree that the cleanup process is far from over.
“We’re way ahead of the game,” stressed Mingo County Commissioner David L. Baisden. “But we have a long way to go. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate everyone who is helping us with this cleanup.”
FEMA representatives are in the process of setting up its own disaster relief centers in the affected areas. Residents impacted by flooding who have not yet contacted FEMA to report damage to their property are encouraged to do so immediately. The toll free numbers to call and report damage are 1 (800) 621-3362 and TTY 1 (800) 462-4092.
In addition to the three main disaster relief centers established by the county, residents can receive assistance and supplies at volunteer fire departments located in the impacted areas. Contact information for all centers is as follows:
Matewan Town Hall – (304) 426-4092
Varney Community Center – (304) 426-5070
Larry Joe Harless Center – (304) 664-2500
Baisden Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 664-8801
Beech Creek Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 426-4140
Delbarton Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 475-2530
Wharncliffe Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 664-3878
Early this morning, FEMA Coordinator Ed Budnick met with Mingo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Jarrod Fletcher, the Mingo County Commission (MCC) and Mingo County Prosecutor C. Michael Sparks to review the county’s recovery plan, its process and progress. Officials discussed contracts related to the cleanup as Budnick explained and clarified situations that could complicate the funding process. Budnick said this process is an effort to avoid any situations that would delay FEMA funding.
The cleanup process began immediately after flood waters receeded and Mingo County was declared a national disaster area. Significant progress has been made, but county agencies, the National Guard and volunteer organizations agree that the cleanup process is far from over.
“We’re way ahead of the game,” stressed Mingo County Commissioner David L. Baisden. “But we have a long way to go. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate everyone who is helping us with this cleanup.”
FEMA representatives are in the process of setting up its own disaster relief centers in the affected areas. Residents impacted by flooding who have not yet contacted FEMA to report damage to their property are encouraged to do so immediately. The toll free numbers to call and report damage are 1 (800) 621-3362 and TTY 1 (800) 462-4092.
In addition to the three main disaster relief centers established by the county, residents can receive assistance and supplies at volunteer fire departments located in the impacted areas. Contact information for all centers is as follows:
Matewan Town Hall – (304) 426-4092
Varney Community Center – (304) 426-5070
Larry Joe Harless Center – (304) 664-2500
Baisden Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 664-8801
Beech Creek Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 426-4140
Delbarton Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 475-2530
Wharncliffe Volunteer Fire Department – (304) 664-3878
# posted by Randy @ 12:29 PM 
