(Photo Illustration – MetroCreativeConnection)

WASHINGTON — As Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Tuesday that he continues to work toward a federal disaster declaration from President Donald Trump, members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation say they also are doing what they can to see that declaration come through for flood victims in Ohio and Marion counties.
Torrential rains over Father’s Day Weekend sent flash floods barreling through Ohio and Marion counties. In Ohio County, dozens of homes were washed away and nine people were killed in Triadelphia and Valley Grove, with damage extending into Woodsdale and Elm Grove. Areas of Marion County also suffered significant property damage.
Yet, weeks after those flood waters receded, a federal disaster declaration – which would give Ohio and Marion county residents access to the full menu of recovery assistance – has yet to be issued. Trump signed a federal disaster declaration on July 6 for Kerr County, Texas, for flash floods July 2-4 that killed at least 118 people and left more than 160 still missing.
Members of the Mountain State’s congressional delegation – U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, all R-W.Va. – have continued to be in contact with federal administrators about the floods and a possible disaster declaration, according to comments from all of their respective offices.
Moore, a freshman Congressman whose district includes both affected counties, said in a statement Wednesday that he and his staff have been in “constant communication” with the White House and FEMA since the disaster occurred.
“I am pushing the administration to act on this disaster declaration request as quickly as possible,” Moore said. “I will continue fighting to ensure our neighbors in Wheeling, Triadelphia, and the surrounding areas receive the resources they need to rebuild and recover.”
Justice’s communication director William O’Grady said he and his staff spoke with FEMA the Monday after the floods to offer their support and have been in touch with them since.
O’Grady said they haven’t been given a timeline as to when a disaster declaration may be issued, but much of that hinges on Morrisey and his administration submitting all the necessary damage assessment information.
On Tuesday, Morrisey told reporters in Charleston that some of the delay in the declaration was due to FEMA needing additional information. Morrisey said he would keep following up with the Trump administration to see that a declaration be made.
“I’m going to get back to the office and launch another call in there, because we’re going to push,” he said.
O’Grady said Justice and his staff remain ready to help further if needed.
Capito has flagged a disaster declaration for administration officials, according to her staff, and they are confident that FEMA knows of her support and desire to get one done. She was part of a letter sent to Trump by the entire West Virginia congressional delegation – Moore, Capito, Justice and Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va. – backing Morrisey in his request for a major disaster declaration.
“We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders, as well as the contributions of our neighbors and volunteers,” the letter read. “Nevertheless, the demand for aid remains substantial and we urge you to do everything in your power to make sure that our communities have the support they need to rebuild and recover.”