By Alison Knezevich
Staff writer

The Charleston Gazette
 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As West Virginia waits for federal disaster aid, Gov. Joe Manchin says state officials are doing "everything possible" to help people hit by the recent snowstorms.

"We are doing everything that we can to assist," Manchin told reporters Thursday.

On Wednesday, Manchin asked for a federal disaster declaration for 15 counties impacted by the Dec. 18 snowstorm, and more counties could be added to that request. As snow continues to hit the Mountain State, the governor also has called upon 800 National Guard troops to help, and spoken with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

In most cases, the federal policy on disaster aid is, "No dough for snow," Manchin said, but Napolitano told Manchin on Wednesday the severity of this winter's weather is unusual.

Manchin made the remarks during an impromptu visit to the Capitol press room.

Earlier Thursday, House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne, issued a news release saying he had asked Manchin to use the state's Rainy Day Fund to help hard-hit areas. The fund is meant for emergency situations, usually related to weather.

"Many small communities find themselves in dire straits due to excessive amounts of snow," Thompson wrote in his letter to the governor. "Counties and local agencies do not have equipment and resources capable of combating the severity of the winter conditions that have fallen upon areas of West Virginia."

Shortly after Thompson issued that news release, Manchin visited reporters with his press secretaries and state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jimmy Gianato.

"We think it's irresponsible . . . to jump ahead of the federal government," Manchin said.

As the state waits for federal help, "it would be foolish for me or anyone in the political arena to jump in front of the professionals in the emergency services arena," Manchin said. "You've got to let them do their job."

Manchin said he has not ruled out spending Rainy Day Fund cash in this case, but doesn't want communities to think that is the only money available to them.

When he toured storm-damaged areas Monday, he said, he told local leaders not to worry about money when making decisions on public-safety issues related to the weather.

Manchin spokesman Matt Turner later told the Gazette that the governor's remarks weren't meant as a criticism of Thompson's letter.

Thompson and the governor met to discuss the Rainy Day Fund on Thursday, and "are on the same page," Turner said.

Another state legislator, Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Unger, has scheduled a Feb. 16 legislative hearing related to the severe weather. The Berkeley County Democrat wants to examine how the state has handled snow removal.

Staff writer Phil Kabler and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Alison Knezevich at 304-348-1240.