FEMA aid for Sandy tops $5M in W.Va. so far - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

FEMA aid for Sandy tops $5M in W.Va. so far

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has disbursed nearly $5.5 million to state and local governments in West Virginia since Superstorm Sandy.

FEMA's Charleston branch chief Gary Brand says that covers 131 projects. But FEMA likely will dole out $13 million altogether, with another 125 projects.

Sandy dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the highest elevations, toppling trees and tearing down power lines in October.

West Virginia's emergency managers predict the storm will set a record for disaster debris.

Eighteen counties were eligible for federal assistance to repair or replace public property such as buildings, roads and bridges, and parks.

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