Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 2016 West Virginia floods.

Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 2016 West Virginia floods.

Whereas, on June 23, 2016, several rounds of thunderstorms brought severe rainfall throughout West Virginia;

Whereas the “thousand-year event” resulted in devastating floods across the State and flash flooding caused 23 fatalities;

Whereas the Governor of West Virginia declared a State of Emergency in 44 of 55 West Virginia counties and the President declared a major disaster under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);

Whereas the storms inflicted catastrophic damage, estimated at $1,200,000,000;

Whereas more than 500,000 people lost power, and thousands of homes and businesses were either damaged or destroyed;

Whereas roads and bridges were washed out, and multiple schools were completely destroyed;

Whereas communities across West Virginia were entirely underwater;

Whereas countless first responders and neighbors stepped in to protect residents of affected communities; and

Whereas West Virginia communities have shown great resilience and strength to rebuild homes, businesses, schools, and other sites affected by the floods: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) commemorates the tenth anniversary of the floods in West Virginia on June 23, 2016; and

(2) honors the West Virginians who lost their lives and those who were affected by the floods.