West Virginia Lawmakers Approve $85M in Flood Relief
West Virginia lawmakers have finished a brief session addressing recovery costs from deadly floods in June.
The Senate adjourned Tuesday after confirming gubernatorial appointments. The House of Delegates adjourned Monday.
Senators unanimously approved a bill Monday allocating $85 million for flood costs. The House had approved the legislation Sunday, the first day of the session called by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
Tomblin signed the bill Tuesday. 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.