W.Va. Gov. Justice Announces Additional $39.9 Million in FEMA Funds for Schools Damaged During 2016 Flooding in Kanawha, Nicholas Counties

CHARLESTON, West Virginia, March 14 -- Gov. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, issued the following news release:

Gov. Jim Justice announced that West Virginia has been awarded an additional $39,966,841.68 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in the rebuilding of schools in Kanawha and Nicholas counties that were damaged during flooding in 2016.

The award adds $37,343,409.54 in additional funds for the rebuilding of Herbert Hoover High School in Kanawha County along with Richwood Middle School, Richwood High School, and Summersville Middle School in Nicholas County.

The remainder of the award, $2,623,432.14, supplements funds expended to build temporary structures for students from those damaged schools.

"This additional funding allows West Virginia to rebuild four schools in areas ravaged by flood waters," Gov. Justice said. "The investment brings hope to these communities and sustains our educational infrastructure in these areas for years to come."

This additional award is a result of a cost share change from 75% to 90%.

This grant funding, in response to the June 2016 Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4273-DR-WV), is part of the Public Assistance Grant Program (PA). The purpose of PA is to support communities' recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.

In December 2019, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management received approval from FEMA to adjust the State's cost share from 25% to 10%. Additional information regarding cost-share and eligibility for reduction can be requested from FEMA Region III.

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the State. It is the State's responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipient receive this award. Following the State's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.

The PA Grant Program is one of the many voluntary grant programs available following a disaster. PA is funded by FEMA and managed in West Virginia by DHSEM.