60 Seconds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency held a grand opening for its fourth mobile home group site today.

The group site will house 41 families at the Lizzard Creek Park in western Wyoming County.

Development of the site began 40 days ago and will be home for up to 18 months for the survivors of the early May flooding that hit several southern counties.

Many local and county officials participated, along with State Senator Richard Browning, delegates Harry Keith White, Linda Phillips and Daniel Hall.

The Wyoming County Commission was led by Commission President Silas Mullins.  Thank yous were also extended by commissioners Jason Mullins and Dr. Sam Muscari.

Gilbert Mayor Vivian Livingood, noted that Gilbert in Mingo County and its Harless Community Center became the prime location for distribution of recovery supplies, including water and meals.

A ribbon was cut by Senator Browning and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Greg Eaton, along with the director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Jimmie Gianato. Eaton also read a letter from U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller thanking FEMA, state and county officials for providing safe housing for the flood survivors.

After the grand opening, families and officials toured several mobile units for a first hand look at their new home.   The units have three bedrooms, a full bath and complete kitchen.  They are 14 feet by 60 feet and are new. 

Lizzard Creek Park is on land owned by Wyoming County.