A federal disaster declaration has been approved for West Virginia.

According to a statement issued by Gov. Jim Justice’s office, President Donald Trump granted Justice’s request for a major disaster declaration for West Virginia on Friday. The declaration will help release federal funds to help communities respond to the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

“I want to thank President Trump for quickly approving my request for this disaster declaration,” Justice said in the statement. “West Virginia has taken extraordinary measures to protect our citizens and keep them safe and healthy and this allows us to take full advantage of federal resources.”

Major disaster declarations had previously been approved in Kentucky and Virginia.

From the statement from Justice’s office:

The president on Friday ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The declaration makes available funding to the state, and eligible local governments as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance in all areas of West Virginia impacted by COVID-19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to review the governor’s request for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funding.

The president issued a COVID-19 Emergency Declaration on March 13, 2020(FEMA-4350-EM-WV). The Public Assistance funding approved Friday would reimburse for eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at the direction or guidance of public health officials. 

FEMA has encouraged officials to take appropriate actions that are necessary to protect public health and safety pursuant to public health guidance. FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor named MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region III administrator, as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations under the president’s declaration.

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