WELCH, W.Va. – After assessing the damage caused by the February 15 flood, county leaders are asking for donations to help residents start to rebuild.
McDowell County leaders held a press conference at the Welch Armory Tuesday to give updates on the progress and needs across the area.
“We’re in desperate need here in our county of bridge supplies,” said McDowell County Commissioner Micheal Brooks. “We have so many of our private citizens that had their means to get to their homes destroyed.”
Approximately 36 private bridges were washed away by the flood, leaving them to rebuild without government funding.
Brooks said the main materials residents need are oak wood boards, beams, gabion baskets, culvert pipes, and any other building supplies.
While water is still in demand, the commission asks people wanting to donate to bring dehumidifiers, lime, leaning supplies, and straw to help with the cleanup process.
State leaders, including Secretary of State Kris Warner and State Treasurer Larry Pack, were also on the ground in McDowell County listening to the communities needs to take back to the state capital.
Pack says the state sees the damage and is allocating resources to the county while they wait for federal help.
“The state is already on the ground,” said Pack. “The governor sent the National Guard in, bringing resources in. The federal designations are taking a little bit longer. I don’t think anybody’s sure why. We’re all pressing and encouraging them to do it as soon as possible. Not only at the state level, but also our two United States senators.”
Pack is hopeful a decision will be made in the next couple of days.
Warner says while the county waits, the volunteer efforts are what is needed.
“Federal help typically takes a little bit longer, but it’s the rebuilding, the long-term rebuilding. The churches, volunteer groups, individuals doing what they’re doing right now is to help people immediately,” said Warner.
During the press conference, Brooks announced the commission has set up dump site locations around the county for flood debris.
Those sites include:
• Route 103 between Gary and Wilcoe (above the dollar store)
• Route 3 in Lit War area
• Former Berwind Fire Department
• Former Mount View Football stadium off Route 52
• Top of Premier Mountain
• Outskirts of the Town of Bradshaw going toward Jolo (the former Chevrolet property)
The National Guard is also collecting debris left on the curbside. Residents should separate hazardous materials in a different pile and place the debris close to the curb without blocking the roadway.
The county asks to not include regular trash and that the dump sites and curb pickup should only be used for flood debris.
All flood debris should be dropped off at a designated dump site.
“These dump sites are for people who are flooded,” said Bobby Bowman, Emergency Management Director for McDowell County. “It’s not for trash, not household trash. We’ve got some that are dumping stuff on wide spots and everywhere around. If we can find those people, we’re going to end up charging y’all with illegal dumps. You cannot dump it just anywhere. You have to go to one of these approved dump sites.”
The commission asks anyone with questions or in need of help call the McDowell County Flood Helpline at (888) 929-4966.
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