CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This week, construction crews completed two key turnovers for two mobile home units in Greenbrier County, bringing the total number of completed homes in the RISE West Virginia program to 57.
Progress on 38 other homes that are in active construction continue to move forward in the construction process. Of the 38 homes in construction, 16 are mobile home replacements, 18 are reconstruction projects and three are in demolition.
"I am very happy that the National Guard is involved [with RISE West Virginia]," said Amy Dixon, a homeowner in Greenbrier County who received the key to her new mobile home unit today. "I am very appreciative and also very excited to be able to use my front door. For the last 19 years, I had issues with my previous home and so this is just wonderful."
West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) has begun work on one home in Kanawha County with foundation block laid to meet elevation standards of 9 feet 3 inches. Three additional rehabilitation projects are also underway and they have issued 13 notices to proceed for five rehabilitation and eight reconstruction projects. VOAD plans to have five projects under construction at all times, if possible.
Currently, there are 400 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 57 homes are complete, 246 cases require total reconstruction, 42 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 96 cases require new mobile home replacement, and 16 cases are awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 400 active cases, 295 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, 58 are currently out for bid undergoing the required West Virginia state procurement process, and 49 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, 213 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).