CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
In the last two weeks, construction crews completed six final inspections on four mobile home units and two reconstruction projects, bringing the total number of completed homes in the RISE West Virginia program to 91.
Three additional mobile home units are scheduled for final inspections and should be completed in the next week.
An additional bridge home project was also completed in the last two weeks, bringing the total number completed to nine, with one bridge in construction and 60 others in the case management process.
Today, the Slum and Blight program reached a significant milestone as contractors began demolition on the first two structures in Clay and Kanawha Counties. Three additional projects are slated for demolition in the coming weeks and more structures will be added as the environmental review process is completed and notices to proceed are issued to the various contractors. Demolition in the program will continue through the winter months.
At this time, there are 310 projects in the Slum and Blight program, of which 20 are in the asbestos inspection and abatement phase and 19 more are in the case management 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.
There are 62 homes in active construction through four different contractors in the housing program. These contractors have been issued 142 notices to proceed, meaning these projects are ready to begin demolition and construction. Of the 62 homes in active construction, seven are mobile home replacements, 50 are reconstruction projects, three are rehabilitation projects and two are in demolition.
Currently, there are 399 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 91 homes are complete, 237 cases require total reconstruction, 34 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 73 cases require new mobile home replacement, and 55 cases are awaiting initial project type and undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 399 active cases, 315 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, 12 are currently out for bid undergoing the required West Virginia state procurement process, and 72 are awaiting a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or are being analyzed via the case management process by VOAD.
WVVOAD continues to assess cases that had been previously closed out or deemed ineligible through the old case management system. As of today, they have reviewed 575 cases and have an additional 125 cases left to assess. VOAD has identified and reopened more than 60 cases that were deemed ineligible for the program, ensuring that all affected families are put forth on a path toward recovery.
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).