This news story originally provided by WV Metro News

6/12/04

FEMA Funds Won't Meet All Needs

Staff 
State Capitol

A top official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency says over the last three years West Virginia has proved to be disaster prone.

FEMA Regional Director Lou Botta and staff are back in the state for the seventh disaster declaration in the last 36 months. President Bush has declared 24 counties a federal disaster area.

Botta says mitigation is something state residents and government officials can do to help reduce the chance of severe flooding. He says those living in flood prone areas must exercise personal responsibility. Botta says those residents must protect what FEMA calls the heart of the home. Botta says flood insurance should become a priority for residents.

Botta says state and local governments can also take steps to reduce flooding.

Botta says there will be thousands of residents in the 24 counties who will receive individual assistance from FEMA, but he says it will not be full relief. He says the federal funds are only meant to supplement the recovery effort. Many residents lost much more than the maximum they can receive from FEMA.