CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This week, construction crews completed one final inspection on a reconstruction in Kanawha County, bringing the total number of completed homes in the RISE West Virginia program to 63.
Progress on 50 other homes that are in active construction continue to move forward in the construction process. Of the 50 homes in construction, 19 are mobile home replacements, 17 are reconstruction projects, two are rehabilitation projects and 10 are in demolition.
West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) continued their work on numerous reconstruction and rehabilitation projects this week. Framing work is still taking place on a reconstruction project in Kanawha County as all interior walls were framed and trusses were installed for the roof. The reconstruction project in Nicholas County also moved forward last week as footers were finished and block foundation work began. VOAD has issued 17 notices to proceed for six rehabilitation and 11 reconstruction projects.
Currently, there are 390 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 63 homes are complete, 249 cases require total reconstruction, 38 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 102 cases require new mobile home replacement, and one case is awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 390 active cases, 348 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, 27 are currently out for bid undergoing the required West Virginia state procurement process, and 15 are awaiting a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or are being analyzed via the case management process by VOAD.
Crews continue to work on the eighth bridge home project this week. There are seven bridges complete and 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 269 projects currently in the Slum and Blight program and 245 projects are ready for the environmental review process. An additional 19 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).