Flood Survivors Can Apply for Loans and Grants to Recover from Storm
October 20, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) –Gov. Bev Perdue this afternoon received a federal disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the flooding that devastated homeowners in six eastern North Carolina counties following Tropical Storm Nicole earlier this month. The declaration makes available low-interest loans or grants to storm survivors to help them repair their homes in Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Onslow and Tyrrell counties.
“These floods impacted hundreds of families across eastern North Carolina,” said Perdue, who pushed for the FEMA assistance. “In a time when the economy is down and our people are struggling, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel after losses like these. Now families can take some hope from the fact that they will have help replacing some of those losses, and soon the rebuilding can begin in earnest.”
County, state and federal emergency management teams spent most of last week assessing damages in 21 counties. The teams reported more than 420 homes in Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Onslow and Tyrrell counties were badly damaged by the storm, including nearly 60 that were completely destroyed. More than 80 businesses also were damaged by the recent floods.
“We saw homes standing in water for days,” the Governor said. “And more than 80 businesses were damaged as well. We have to help these communities get back on their feet.”
Residents in those six counties can apply for low-interest federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration in the following amounts:
Homeowners — up to $240,000, to repair or replace their homes and some personal belongings;
Renters — up to $40,000;
Any who don’t qualify for loans may be eligible for an individual assistance grant from FEMA to help repair and replace personal property.
State and federal emergency management officials will be available in Bertie and Craven counties beginning Friday, Oct.15 at 1 p.m. The centers will stay open until 6:30 and then open 8:30 – 6:30 for the duration of the time they are activated. Details for the centers in the rest of the counties will be provided as soon as they are available.
Bertie Senior Center/ Council on Aging, 103 W. School Street, Windsor
Craven Craven County Old Jail, 411 Craven Street, New Bern
Total damage assessments to community infrastructure have not yet been completed due to high water levels in some areas. However, emergency management officials say initial estimates indicate that the state likely will not qualify for federal funding to recuperate costs for emergency protective measures and to repair state roads, bridges and community infrastructure.
The tropical storm dumped between five and 24 inches of rain throughout the eastern part of the state. Major flooding occurred along the Cashie, northeast Cape Fear, Lumber, Trent, Neuse and Dan rivers. Eight storm-related deaths were reported; all were the result of vehicle crashes.
“Our local and state emergency management officials have worked tirelessly during the past two weeks, first to rescue people from the flood waters and then to help them begin rebuilding their lives,” Perdue said. “As North Carolinians, we can all be proud of these emergency response teams that work continually to keep us safe.”
Contact:
Chris Mackey
(919) 733-5612
