Bridgeport, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia will begin studying ways to recover economically from natural disasters, particularly in parts of the state perpetually hit hard by flooding.

The Federal Economic Development Administration announced Monday in Bridgeport that the state is getting $250,000 to develop a plan for rapid and sustainable economic rebirth in the event of future disasters.

The study will focus on areas that seem battered by flooding on a regular basis, especially the northern counties declared federal disaster sites in June.

Governor Joe Manchin said that while the state can't prevent catastrophic events like major floods, the money will go toward preparing for them.

In June, Manchin declared a State of Emergency in 13 northern counties where floods and mudslides damaged roads, homes and crops.

(Copyright 2008 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)