Over the past decade, Central Appalachia, particularly West Virginia, has been plagued by numerous flooding disasters, resulting in significant loss of life and billions of dollars in recovery efforts by FEMA. The region has also experienced a high number of flash floods, causing anxiety among residents who fear for their safety and property every time it rains.
In response to these challenges, a coalition of nearly 60 organizations from across Appalachia has come together to urge Congress to provide federal solutions to address the region’s flood vulnerabilities. Factors such as historical mining and logging activities, topography, and lack of investment have made Appalachia uniquely susceptible to flooding, with small farms being particularly at risk.
Despite the bipartisan support for investing in flood resilience, there is a call for Congress, especially West Virginia’s delegation, to take proactive measures to enhance flood protection and recovery efforts. The coalition proposes changes to the Farm Bill, focusing on sustainable land management, conservation efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
The coalition’s four main pillars for addressing flood challenges include increasing response and recovery capacity, supporting low-income households, improving flood mapping, and investing in nature-based hazard mitigation. It is crucial that these policies include strong labor standards and regional materials sourcing to maximize benefits for Appalachian communities.
The coalition emphasizes that addressing flood challenges should not be a political matter but a responsibility of the government to protect its citizens. As the frequency of flooding events continues to rise, urgent action from lawmakers is needed to prevent further devastation and ensure the resilience of Appalachian communities.
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Photo credit westvirginiawatch.com