By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
Charleston – Governor Patrick Morrisey on Tuesday, July 21st declared a state of emergency for all of West Virginia’s 55 counties related to the severe weather event that resulted in flash flooding, landslides, road closures and other related, dangerous conditions.
Technicians with the West Virginia Conservation Agency have been deployed to assess the extent of flood related debris blockages and damage, as well as provide assistance to residents affected.
Residents may also be eligible for Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program assistance. The EWP is a federal emergency recovery program that helps communities recover after a natural disaster strikes. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps communities to move from emergency response to long-tern recovery. The EWP allows the NRCS to work with local sponsors to assess damage, stabilize damage and streambanks, remove debris and protect homes, as well as infrastructures from future flooding. It is a technical and financial assistance program.
Tucker County is within the Tygart Valley Conservation District along with Barbour, Randolph, Taylor and Upshur Counties. Those affected by the recent flooding can contact the Conservation District for more information on services available at 304-457-3026.
