The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide West Virginia $52.3 million to rebuild Herbert Hoover High School after devastating flooding in 2016 damaged the building.
The original school building was demolished last fall after it was determined to be beyond repair.
West Virginia Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin made the announcement of the funding from FEMA in a press release Friday.
Since the 2016 flood, students and staff at Herbert Hoover High School have held classes on the grounds of Herbert Hoover Middle, outside of Clendenin in Kanawha County. The high school has been operating out of fenced in portable structures linked with a covered pier since 2017.
Students have access to science labs, smart TVs and a commons area with a covered plaza.
Herbert Hoover High’s Principal Mike Kelley said in a phone call with West Virginia Public Broadcasting that he and his staff are excited to finally be moving forward. He said, while they are grateful for the temporary facility, it is not built to last like the new building will be. He said the new building will allow the students and community to flourish and create a “new home for the Huskies.”
The new school is expected to be completed in 2021.
This summer marked three years since the 2016 flood that killed 23 people, destroyed homes, schools and businesses, and caused about $300 million worth of damages.