THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR ROBERT BYRD.

Washington, D.C…. U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today announced that an additional nine counties in West Virginia which were ravaged by recent storms are eligible for federal disaster relief. On June 19, 2008, President Bush declared federal disaster areas for ten West Virginia counties.

“Once again, West Virginia has suffered at the hand of Mother Nature,” Byrd said. “Every moment counts in the recovery efforts, and every little bit of help is crucial. I appreciate the willingness of the Bush Administration to extend relief to additional counties in our state. This wise decision will bring much needed FEMA aid to these struggling communities so they can begin the difficult task of rebuilding.”

Byrd, who has been monitoring the damage that struck several areas in West Virginia that began in early June, originally wrote President Bush on June 11, 2008, and asked for a damage assessment and federal disaster declaration as quickly as possible. Byrd’s urging followed a request from Governor Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who wrote the President on June 10, 2008, asking for a major disaster declaration.

In his letter, Byrd wrote to the President that, “…the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State of West Virginia and the affected local governments.”

The severe storms that began on June 3, 2008, produced heavy rains, high winds, and flooding, as well as tornados and landslides. The additional counties set to receive assistance include Braxton, Calhoun, Lewis, Ritchie, Tucker, Tyler, Webster, Wetzel, and Wirt. To register for disaster assistance, disaster victims should call the toll-free Tele-registration number: 1-800-621-3362, TTD 1-800-462-7585, or visit www.fema.gov under “Apply for Assistance”.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is also taking steps to help West Virginians who have been affected by severe weather. The DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) announced the extension of the deadline for filing Form 5500 and Form 5500 EZ. The extended deadline is August 18, 2008, and also applies to firms located outside the affected areas who are unable to obtain the necessary information from service providers, banks or insurance companies whose operations were directly affected by the weather.

Filers who have additional questions may contact EBSA’s EFAST Help Line toll-free at 866-463-3278. For more information about disaster relief, contact FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or the Internal Revenue Service through www.irs.gov under “Disaster Area Tax Relief”.

“I thank every West Virginian who has contributed to the recovery effort since it began. I also commend the countless emergency personnel, family members, friends, and neighbors who have come to the aid of their fellow citizens and shared burdens too great to bear alone,” Byrd added.