CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced two flood mitigation studies that will help develop long-term strategies to reduce future flood damage in some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable areas. With both federal and state funds, this announcement represents a $6 million dollar investment across two major watersheds: the Upper Guyandotte River and the Kanawha River Basin.
“We know all too well the dangers that floods pose to West Virginia,” said Governor Morrisey. “These disasters have disrupted lives, damaged infrastructure, and devastated entire communities. With these new initiatives, we are investing in data-driven, long-term solutions that will help us better protect our people and prepare our state for challenges ahead.”
The Upper Guyandotte Flood Study, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the State of West Virginia, will examine flood risks and potential mitigation strategies in the Wyoming County communities of Mullens, Pineville, and Oceana. These towns rank among the highest in the state for cumulative flood risk, with more than 30% of the county’s population living in the floodplain. Funding for the study is split equally between the federal government and the state, each contributing $1.5 million.
The Kanawha River Basin Feasibility Study, also executed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will explore a comprehensive array of flood risk management strategies across 20 counties, including 14 that were directly impacted by the June 2016 floods. The study will evaluate environmental, economic, and social benefits of potential projects. Funding will also be split equally between the federal government and the state, totaling $3 million, and projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities will qualify for a reduced state cost share of just 10% for the state.
These two watershed studies include portions of 9 of the 12 counties that received disaster declarations after the February 2025 flooding. Both studies will be coordinated with the West Virginia State Resiliency Office to ensure findings are integrated into broader state mitigation and preparedness plans.
