Associated Press Published

W.Va. Flooded Schools Receive Millions In Federal Funds

Debris covers the floor of the Richwood Middle School art room. Floodwaters completely blew out the large glass window exposing the classroom to the outdoors.

Gov. Jim Justice’s office announced on Friday West Virginia will receive more than $131 million to replace schools in Nicholas County destroyed by flooding in 2016.

The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] and will be used to replace Summersville Middle School, Richwood Middle School and Richwood High School, according to an announcement from Justice.

“I will continue to fight to bring every resource possible to restore the areas ravaged by this disaster,” Justice said in the release.

The award also positions West Virginia to seek an adjustment that would allow it to pay only 10 percent of the total cost of rebuilding schools in Kanawha and Nicholas Counties, rather than the normally required 25 percent. The reduction is subject to FEMA approval.