Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall are joining Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on a tour of storm-struck areas in Braxton, Nicholas, Fayette and Raleigh counties. At National Guard armories and local emergency management offices, Senator Manchin and Congressman Rahall will assess the needs of residents and businesses and make sure West Virginians are receiving needed federal resources to help recover from the storm's aftermath. Senator Manchin and Congressman Rahall spoke yesterday on a conference call with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Red Cross officials.

“As West Virginians cope with this disaster, I will make sure that the federal government provides our state with the resources we need to recover,” said Sen. Manchin. “There's no better way to get a handle on the situation than to see it firsthand and talk with the families that don't have power or are struggling with the harsh effects of this weather. I want to reassure all West Virginians that I will continue to share what I find with Secretary Napolitano, FEMA, the Red Cross and other organizations.”

“Working and speaking in depth with state and local officials yesterday and today, I want to survey for myself the damage caused by the storm, so that I am fully armed to make the strongest possible case for all of the Federal resources that can be mustered to help West Virginia families and businesses to recover quickly.  I have already been in contact with FEMA Administrator Fugate and Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano to stress the urgent needs of our State, especially in regard to water, food, and generators, and I will continue to press the agency for all possible assistance,” said Congressman Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with jurisdiction over FEMA emergency response programs.

Governor Tomblin continues to urge West Virginians to remain patient. “The last couple days have been difficult, and unfortunately due to the damage to our power lines, many West Virginians will be without power for several days,” said Gov. Tomblin. “I ask all West Virginians to remain patient, and to do what West Virginians do best-take care of your neighbors.”

Governor Tomblin, Senator Manchin and Congressman Rahall will visit the following locations:

4:55 p.m.    Nicholas County Armory 
                          3 Armory Way, Summersville, W.Va. 

6:40 p.m.   Fayette County Emergency Operations Center
                          200 West Maple Ave., Fayetteville, W.Va.

8:30 p.m.   Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center
                          162 Industrial Park Rd., Beaver, W.Va.

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