Gov. Joe Manchin’s spokesman Matt Turner said the declaration was approved Friday for Mingo and Wyoming counties.
The declaration makes federal assistance available. It can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit groups also can obtain federal funding to recoup part of their costs for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said more counties could be added to the disaster declaration after damage assessments are reviewed.
In Mingo County, students are expected to get a pass from taking standardized tests because of the flooding
The state Department of Education is asking its federal counterpart to waive the requirement for students at Gilbert High and Elementary schools because high water damaged both buildings.
Mingo County officials say damage to the schools may keep them closed for the remainder of the school year.
Beginning Monday, students across the state will take the standardized Westest. The test is a gauge of student achievement and is required under federal No Child Left Behind legislation.
Education spokeswoman Liza Cordeiro says it’s the first time the state has sought a waiver from the national requirement.
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