New Law Encourages Flood Protection in West Virginia Communities

A new law in West Virginia aims to help parts of the state better prepare for major flooding.

A new state resiliency office will receive funds, coordinate efforts and update plans annually against disasters like the flooding last June that killed 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes, businesses. That law also establishes a joint legislative committee to make recommendations.

“Despite the many state and federal flood protection programs and projects, flooding continues to be West Virginia’s most common and widespread natural disaster,” the bill says.

It was passed by the Legislature and signed into law this week by Gov. Jim Justice.

The measure notes that all 55 counties and 32 major watersheds have been affected, more than 280 West Virginians have died in floods over the past 52 years and that have been 27 federal disaster declarations in West Virginia from flooding this past decade alone.

Topics Legislation Flood Virginia