CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This week, construction crews completed one final inspection on a reconstruction project in Greenbrier County, bringing the total number of completed homes in the RISE West Virginia program to 58.
Progress on 40 other homes that are in active construction continue to move forward in the construction process. Of the 40 homes in construction, 18 are mobile home replacements, 17 are reconstruction projects and four are in demolition.
West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) continued their work on one home in Kanawha County this week by completing all block work for the foundation and elevation. Three additional rehabilitation projects are also underway and they have issued 16 notices to proceed for six rehabilitation and 10 reconstruction projects. VOAD plans to have five projects under construction at all times, if possible.
Currently, there are 392 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 58 homes are complete, 242 cases require total reconstruction, 40 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 93 cases require new mobile home replacement, and 17 cases are awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 392 active cases, 316 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, 35 are currently out for bid undergoing the required West Virginia state procurement process, and 41 are awaiting a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or are being analyzed via the case management process by VOAD.
Crews continue to work on one bridge this week. Six bridges are complete with 68 others in the case management process at this time.
Currently, 20 projects are in the asbestos inspection and abatement phase for the Slum and Blight Program. There are an additional 210 projects currently in the Slum and Blight program and 213 projects are ready for the environmental review process. An additional 53 projects are in the case management process pipeline for removal that are considered an “imminent threat" from the county or municipality, meaning those properties pose a threat to the health and safety of the public. These projects will move from the “imminent threat” phase to the environmental review process before demolition can begin. The Slum and Blight program is still accepting applications in all counties affected by the 2016 flood.
Any families who feel they still have any unmet needs or who are looking for an update on their case are urged to contact the new VOAD office over the phone at 304-553-0927 or through email at DisasterRecovery@wv.gov. A hotline is also available for anyone needing to report fraud with regard to the RISE West Virginia program at 1-866-WVWATCH (1-866-989-2824).