Morrisey, congressional delegation confident Trump will issue disaster declaration

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It may not take President Donald Trump long to issue a federal disaster declaration for Ohio and Marion counties follow the Father’s Day weekend flash flooding

Gov. Patrick Morrisey formally submitted the request for assistance Friday, less than a week from when the heavy rain hit, claiming nine lives in around Wheeling and causing considerable damage the following day in parts of Marion County.

That’s a pretty quick submission on the state’s part.

Morrisey sounded confident in the request in a Friday statement.

“After traveling to both Ohio and Marion counties and assessing the damage firsthand, I have asked President Donald Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency Declaration,” Morrisey said. “These declarations will help unlock federal resources to support our fellow West Virginians hardest hit by the major flooding events earlier this week.”

Ohio County rescue teams have recovered the bodies of eight flood victims. An elderly woman remains unaccounted for. About a dozen homes were destroyed in the county with approximately 120 residences sustaining significant damage.

The state’s four-member congressional delegation has already sent a letter supporting the request to President Trump.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said the delegation stands in “strong support” of the request.

“The severe storms in our state on June 14th resulted in widespread damage across Marion and Ohio counties. This is an essential step to unlock vital federal resources to support those West Virginians impacted on June 14th in their time of need,” Capito said.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice said in a post on X that he spoke with Trump by phone Thursday night.

“It is touching to see he shares concern for West Virginians and understands our sense of urgency when it comes to a Major Disaster Declaration request,” Justice said. “We will get folks the federal resources they need to rebuild and it starts from the President on down.”

Second District Congressman Riley Moore said his office has been in conversations with the White House. This came after Moore toured the flooded areas last week.

“My heart breaks for our neighbors up here in the Northern Panhandle,” he said after viewing the damage. “I’ll do everything in my power to ensure we get the federal resources needed to recover and rebuild.”

First District Congresswoman Carol Miller showed her support in the joint letter sent to President Trump.

FEMA’s future

Trump has made some comments recently about considering getting rid of FEMA to handle disasters and instead allowing the states to handle the federal help that comes with disasters, Capito said she wouldn’t support such a change.

Capito said during a media event in Charleston last week she wouldn’t be in favor of such a move.

”Some of these disasters are so large the states cannot manage this and I think that’s where FEMA’s value is,” Capito said. “I hope that Congress working with the President can work on reforms for FEMA instead of saying ‘Okay states here’s money you do it,’” Capito said.

Story by Jeff Jenkins, MetroNews