PHILIPPI, WV - The terrain of West Virginia is very rugged, consisting of forested hills and mountains with narrow valleys. Due to the extremely narrow river valleys throughout most of the State, flooding is the most common cause of widespread disaster.
The flood stage is 17 feet. Since 1985, the Tygart River has flooded 8 times with flooding over 20 feet. In 1996, the area experienced, again, heavy rains and flooding. This repetitive flooding has caused more than $2 million in damage.
The community received Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to acquire three residential and three vacant commercial warehouses. Philippi will retain this area as open space.
Based on previous damage assessments, a savings of $270,931 will be avoided in future damage. Plus, savings in disaster response costs are expected as a result of this project.
Standard Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program makes Federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in participating communities.