West Virginia Lawmakers Approve $85M in Flood Relief

West Virginia lawmakers addressed recovery costs from deadly floods in June in a brief session last month.

The Senate adjourned Sept. 20 after a two-day session that also included the confirmation of gubernatorial appointments.

Senators unanimously approved a bill Sept. 19 allocating $85 million for flood costs. The House had approved the legislation the previous day of the special session, which was called by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Tomblin signed the bill Sept. 20. It includes $55 million from the Rainy Day Fund.

Tomblin’s administration estimates $339.8 million in recovery costs, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency covering 75 or 90 percent.

Tomblin is also asking President Barack Obama for an additional $310 million in a congressional bill for long-term economic recovery and community rebuilding.

The June 23 floods killed 23 people and damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure.