CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
Since our last update on March 20, 2020, contractors with the West Virginia RISE program have completed 28 reconstruction and mobile home replacement projects in various counties throughout the state, bringing the total number of completed projects to 163.
“While our main focus has been on assisting the State of West Virginia in the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our work in the RISE program has not faltered,” said Hoyer. “Significant progress has been made by all involved and it is a testament to the work of our Guard members, VOAD and their teams of volunteers, the Department of Commerce and the contractors who all have worked through this pandemic to help West Virginians move forward in recovery.”
There are currently 61 homes in active construction through four different contractors in the housing program. These contractors have been issued 105 notices to proceed, meaning these projects are ready to begin demolition and construction. Of the 61 homes in active construction, five are mobile home replacements, 55 are reconstruction projects, and one is a rehabilitation project. Nine of the aforementioned projects are in the demolition stage of the housing program.
There are 281 active cases covered under the RISE West Virginia Program. The current breakdown by construction type is as follows: 163 homes are complete, 188 cases require total reconstruction, seven cases require some form of rehabilitation actions, and 59 cases require new mobile home replacement.
Of the total 281 active cases, 192 have been awarded to a construction contractor or sub-recipient, zero are out to bid, and 84 are awaiting a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or are being analyzed via the case management process by VOAD.
Yesterday, one Clearance and Demolition project was completed in Clay County, bringing the total number complete to four. At this time, there are 271 active cases in the program, 15 are in environmental review process and 109 more are in the case management pipeline for removal that are considered an “imminent threat” from the county or municipality. Nine 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 are working on the 14th bridge home project at this time and have completed one bridge since our last report. Thirteen bridges are complete and there are 60 others in the case management process.
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).