STORM DAMAGE RECOUNT Reinspection Of 16 Counties Seeks FEMA Help; Outcome Of Survey Unclear
Reported by: Bob Aaron
Web Producer: Bob Aaron
Reported: Aug. 16, 2012 12:07 PM EDT
Updated: Aug. 16, 2012 12:52 PM EDT
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
State, county, and federal officials have finished a 16-county reinspection of storm damage as West Virginia prepares to appeal the rejection by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individual disaster assistance for damage from the June 29 storm.
The storm and others that followed knocked out power to 680,000 people in West Virginia.
FEMA first turned down the state's request for individual help by citing a lack of uninsured damage.
After the governor announced he would appeal, a 16-county inspection followed to check for unreported damage.
FEMA's Frank Blake said the federal agency Wednesday “wrapped up with Wyoming, Pleasants and Kanawha counties. So, right now, that is under analysis. One is quantitative and qualitative. They're adding the numbers and looking to determine the impact those numbers represent on individual lives and businesses. "
The 16-county survey did locate unreported damage, but it's unclear if there is enough uninsured damage to win the disaster declaration. The state will argue it needs individual help because of the unusual nature of the storm that left thousands without power for up to two weeks.
Homeland Security Chief Jimmy Gianato says the appeal may focus on the economic impact. It is still being prepared and is expected to be ready by next week.
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Bob Aaron
