CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This week, the total number of completed homes in the RISE West Virginia program remains at 108, with one scheduled for final inspection next week.
There are currently 67 homes in active construction through four different contractors in the housing program. These contractors have been issued 133 notices to proceed, meaning these projects are ready to begin demolition and construction. Of the 67 homes in active construction, 8 are mobile home replacements, 57 are reconstruction projects, 2 are rehabilitation projects. Seven are in the stage of demolition. Three projects are in the final inspection phase.
There are 376 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 108 homes are complete, 249 cases require total reconstruction, 33 cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, 82 cases require new mobile home replacement. This week, zero cases are awaiting initial project type or undergoing the damage assessment process.
Of the total 376 active cases, 288 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, zero out to bid, and 88 are awaiting a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or are being analyzed via the case management process by VOAD.
At this time, there are 302 active cases in the Clearance and Demo (formerly Slum and Blight) program, 14 are in environmental review process and 19 more are in the case management pipeline for removal that are considered an “imminent threat” from the county or municipality. Five notices to proceed have been issued to contractors meaning these projects are ready for demolition. The Clearance and Demolition program is still accepting applications in all counties affected by the 2016 flood.
Crews continued to work on the eleventh bridge home project this week, with that project expected to be completed this coming week. There are 61 others in the case management process.
WVVOAD continues to assess cases that had been previously closed out or deemed ineligible through the old case management system. As of Jan. 17, 2020, they have reviewed 650 cases and have an additional 36 cases that have begun the assessment process. 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.
WVVOAD will be conducting public outreach efforts next week to ensure that anyone eligible for housing and bridge replacement through the RISE program is enrolled. Representatives from WVVOAD will be in Clendenin at Town Hall on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at City National Bank of Rainelle on Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, at White Sulphur Springs City Hall on Jan 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Risen Lord Catholic Church in Maysel Jan 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and at the Richwood Public Library on Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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).