CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This week, construction crews completed three key turnovers for homes in Kanawha and Greenbrier Counties that passed final inspection by the West Virginia National Guard Quality Control/Quality Assurance team, bringing the total number of completed homes to 55.
Progress on 42 other homes that are in active construction for the RISE West Virginia program continue to move forward in the construction process. Of the 42 homes in construction, 22 are mobile home replacements, 16 are reconstruction projects and three are in demolition.
West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) has begun work on one home in Kanawha County with footers poured and foundation block laid this week. They have issued 13 notices to proceed for five rehabilitation and eight reconstruction projects thus far that will move forward into construction in the coming weeks.
Currently, there are 403 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 55 homes are complete, 247 cases require total reconstruction, 42 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 98 cases require new mobile home replacement, and 16 cases are awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 403 active cases, 283 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, 72 are currently out for bid undergoing the required West Virginia state procurement process, and 48 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 208 projects currently in the Slum and Blight program, 195 of which are ready for the environmental review process. An additional 49 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).