CHARLETON, W.Va. –
West Virginia National Guard's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, issues the following update on the RISE West Virginia program:
This week, crews continued to make progress on 41 homes that are in active construction for the RISE West Virginia program. Of the 41 homes in construction, 17 are mobile home replacements, 12 are reconstruction projects and 12 are in demolition. One home is nearing completion and should be ready for final inspection next week by the West Virginia National Guard Quality Control/Quality Assurance team.
VOAD has issued eight notices to proceed for three rehabilitation and five reconstruction projects. Construction on these projects is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The 31 additional reconstruction and 14 mobile home replacement cases continue to work their way through the procurement process. There are 291 other cases that have been assigned for construction. Once a sub-recipient agreement is signed, West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) will take on an additional 20 cases, bringing the total number of cases awaiting assignment to 67.
Crews completed work on another bridge this week, bringing the total to six completed, with one in construction. There are 68 others in the case management process at this time.
The 12 reconstruction projects are at various stages in the construction process including debris removal and footers being poured with many that have interior work near completion for drywall, cabinetry, and trim. Demolition is set to begin or is in progress on numerous other reconstruction projects.
The 17 mobile home replacement projects are also at various stages in the construction process with numerous homes that have completed asbestos abatement and are ready for or have completed demolition, and numerous others that have had block laid, water/septic systems installed, and have moved into electrical/plumbing work phase.
There are 59 other reconstruction and mobile home unit replacement projects at varying points in the initial construction phase, including permitting, inspections and asbestos abatement. Also, 11 other projects are awaiting signed homeowner agreements to move forward in the construction process.
The number of outstanding Housing Program cases is 423. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 51 homes are complete, 258 cases require total reconstruction, 51 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 101 cases require new mobile home replacement, and 13 cases are awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Currently, 18 projects are in the asbestos inspection and abatement phase for the Slum and Blight Program. There are an additional 172 projects currently in the Slum and Blight program, 168 of which are ready for the environmental review process. An additional 59 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).