Tomblin Signs Flood Relief Bill at School Housing Displaced Students

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has signed a bill to help pay for the state’s portion of recovery efforts in the 12 counties affected by June’s flooding. 

Tomblin stood on the stage at Elkview Middle School with members of the Legislature and the Herbert Hoover High School senior class before signing House Bill 201. 

The bill appropriates $85 million in state aid to help pay for continued flood clean up and rebuilding efforts.

That $85 million accounts for 25 percent of the nearly $340 million in total damage suffered across the state following June 23’s flood. The rest of the money will come from the federal government.

Five schools will have to be rebuilt, including Herbert Hoover, which is why Tomblin made the trip to Elkview.

“I just thought it would be good for the students to see their leaders, the president and the speaker and other elected officials here to say we do care about you. We haven’t forgotten you. We’re working every day,” Tomblin said after the signing.

Tomblin presented the bill to lawmakers Sunday and the completed legislation was returned to him Monday.

Only one member of the Legislature, Del. Patrick McGeehan, voted against it.