West Virginia is finally moving ahead with two important studies aimed at reducing flood risks, nearly ten years after deadly floods struck the state in 2016. Governor Patrick Morrisey recently announced the state will partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study flood management strategies across 20 counties in the Kanawha River Basin, most of which were hit hard by the floods eight years ago.
This announcement comes after a long delay. The study was first requested by West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito right after the 2016 floods, which tragically claimed 23 lives. Although the federal government provided funding for the project in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the state held off on contributing its share—$1.5 million—until just last month. That payment finally unlocked the full study.
Alongside the Kanawha River Basin study, the governor’s office also secured $1.5 million to examine flood risks and solutions in Wyoming County and parts of Raleigh County, areas particularly vulnerable to flooding. These two efforts mark the first major state steps toward flood mitigation in years.
Flooding is a growing problem in West Virginia. The mountain landscape, many rivers and creeks, plus the impact of years of strip mining and logging, make flooding more common and destructive. Climate change is expected to make things worse, leading to more frequent and severe floods. That’s why these studies are so important to help protect communities and reduce damage.
Still, it will take time for any improvements to appear. Both studies are expected to take about three years. Plus, funding for any projects that come from the studies is not guaranteed. Senator Capito has managed to secure a federal deal that would require the state to cover only 10% of project costs emerging from the Kanawha River Basin study, much less than the usual 35%, easing the financial burden on West Virginia.
Besides these big studies, the governor’s office is working on smaller flood safety projects, such as improving warning systems, fixing drainage, and upgrading culverts. A spokesperson said Governor Morrisey is determined to explore all options to keep people safe from floods.
Despite these efforts, West Virginia has faced challenges in tackling flooding for many years. Back in 2004, the state drew up a flood protection plan with ideas like better building rules and warning systems. But it never got implemented. After the 2016 floods, lawmakers created a State Resiliency Office to update that plan. While an updated plan was finished in June 2024, funding to put its recommendations into action has yet to be approved.
Even though a special trust fund was set up in 2023 to help protect vulnerable communities, lawmakers haven’t put money in it. Former Governor Jim Justice asked for $50 million for flood resilience in his final budget proposal, but the Legislature turned it down. Governor Morrisey has also not included funding for the trust fund in his budget this year, and a separate attempt to add money during the legislative session failed.
The cost of floods in West Virginia is significant. Between 2005 and 2024, there were nearly 2,300 flood events causing $342 million in property damage. However, smaller floods often go unreported, so the damage could be much higher. Almost 200,000 people live in areas considered high-risk for flooding.
Research from West Virginia University confirms the state does not have a long-term flood recovery plan, which makes responding to floods less effective. Of about 100,000 buildings in high-risk zones, just over 500 are essential facilities like fire stations, schools, and hospitals.
The state also faces challenges with flood maps. Federal maps from FEMA don’t always show where flooding might happen after heavy rain, which is a common cause of floods in West Virginia. Some experts criticize these maps for being outdated or incomplete. Alternative mapping from nonprofits suggests that up to a third of properties in West Virginia could be at risk, far higher than the roughly 9% shown on FEMA maps.
With flooding poised to become an even bigger problem, these new studies and ongoing efforts are crucial first steps, even if real change will take time. For now, West Virginians watch closely, hoping these investments lead to safer communities in the future.