Major Disaster Declaration for Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, Kanawha Counties

FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and Kanawha counties. The President’s action makes federal funding available to those affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from August 28-30, 2023. 

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Apply for assistance by registering online, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.

Two Business Recovery Centers have been opened in West Virginia to meet the needs of businesses who were affected. Applicants may apply online, call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.

Learn more about Individual Assistance versus Public Assistance

I was honored to address the WV Association of Counties Annual Conference and receive the Patti Hamilton Imagine Award. I still believe there’s no higher calling than public service. I’m thankful for our county government officials and staff for serving our communities.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

The U.S. Postal Service will hold a public meeting at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please use the comment form below. 

While I’m encouraged to see the USPS plans to invest more federal resources in the Charleston postal facility, I share concerns with the America Postal Workers Union about potential job losses larger than those forecasted in the initial findings.

I urge every West Virginian, regardless of their location, to submit a public comment to the USPS to voice their support.

U.S. Postal Service Mail Processing Facility Review Public Comment Form

Last week, I was honored to accept CADCA's Lifetime Achievement Award. Combatting the drug epidemic continues to be my top priority and this starts with preventing substance use by our youngest generations. Thanks CADCA and their partners for the incredible work they do every day!

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

Pamela from Weirton sought help in arranging the interment of her late husband at Arlington National Cemetery. Following an inquiry from my office, the interment service has been scheduled and is set to take place in the upcoming months.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, please contact my office at 304-342-5855.

USDA GRANTS - Applications are being accepted for the Rural Business Development Grant program. Funding is available to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities.

Applications for grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program are now being accepted. Funding is available to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.

VETERAN RESOURCES - A Veterans Benefits Administration PACT Act Claims Clinic will be held on Wednesday, February 14 from 9am-3pm in the Beckley VA Medical Center's Auditorium. The Huntington Regional Office will be available to provide a one-stop shop for claims processing. No appointment is necessary. To learn more about the PACT Act, click here.

TAX SUPPORT - Over 100 million households in America qualify for free tax filing. MyFreeTaxes is a service provided by United Way that offers comprehensive, no-cost tax preparation and filing services to the public. The main Helpline can be reached at 866-698-9435 or through this Contact Form. 

For over 50 years, the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) has offered free tax help to citizens. You can use this search portal to find other VITA program volunteer organizations near you. 

BLOOD DONATIONS - The West Virginia Department of Health is partnering with the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region to increase the number of blood donations in the area. The blood supply has currently fallen to critically low levels and donations are needed right now to help alleviate the shortage. Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

HEALTH RESOURCES - According to the latest State of Lung Cancer report, radon was detected at high levels in 28.5% of West Virginia homes. Caused by natural processes in the earth, radon is a radioactive, cancer-causing gas that is undetectable without testing. You can request a free radon test kit by emailing Radon@wv.gov or calling (304) 352-5039. Additional CDC resources are available here. 

UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED INDIVIDUALS - Many clinics throughout the state offer free or low-cost health care options for West Virginians. Use this search tool to find a clinic in your area. 

Find job opportunities in your area:
USAJOBS.gov - the federal government’s official employment site with opportunities across the United States and around the world
State of West Virginia job opportunities
WV Women Work - skilled trades training for women
WorkForce WV employment database
National Labor Exchange job postings
Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR open positions throughout the state​
Department of Education job opportunities

ALL ENERGY NEWS

The U.S. military academies host a variety of annual summer programs. From sports camps to STEM learning, cadets have the opportunity to engage in a variety of academic, athletic and professional training. 

Applications are open to the public. Deadlines and session schedules vary based on location. Need-based scholarships or financial assistance may be available. 

West Point Summer Leadership Program - applications due March 15th
Naval Academy Summer STEM Program and Seminar - for grades 9-12
Coast Guard AIM Program - Application/Informational Virtual Event
Merchant Marine Academy Virtual Sessions - Wednesdays at 3:00PM
Army Sports Camps - offered by Army West Point Athletics
Naval Sports Camps - 2024 dates coming soon
Air Force Sports Camps - registration is now open
Merchant Marine Academy Admissions Visits

Air Force Academy Summer Seminar - accepting applications for summer 2025

Stay connected to all Service Academy Initiatives

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with
a state or federal agency, please contact one of my offices: