West Virginia Seeks Disaster Relief for Farmers

With farmers in northern West Virginia still hurting from floods that wiped out crops in June, state officials are seeking federal aid in the form of a disaster declaration.

Governor Joe Manchin asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a natural disaster in Gilmer, Calhoun, Randolph, Tucker and Barbour counties.

On June 4, Manchin declared a state of emergency in those and eight other nearby counties, allowing for funds to be used by homeowners and businesses.

State Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass said a USDA declaration would set aside funds specifically for farmers who could be facing the loss of an entire year’s work.