FEMA Request for Public Assistance Approved; Individual Assistance Request Still Under Review

October 4, 2019 | Local News

Today, President Trump approved Governor Cooper’s request for a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for the following counties impacted by Hurricane Dorian: Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Pamlico, Pender, Sampson, Tyrrell, and Washington.

The major disaster declaration allows impacted counties to receive support from FEMA’s Public Assistance program, providing reimbursement to local governments for costs of debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities. Certain private non-profit organizations can also be eligible for reimbursement.

“North Carolina’s coastal communities – particularly Ocracoke and those on the Outer Banks – were hit hard by Hurricane Dorian and it’s critical that they have access to FEMA Public Assistance and the federal resources necessary to recover. This is a positive step and we continue to urge our federal partners and North Carolina’s congressional delegation to work to expedite approval of our request for Individual Assistance for families whose homes were destroyed as well,” said Governor Cooper.

North Carolina requested Public Assistance on September 13th. On September 21st, Governor Cooper also requested a major disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, which if approved, would provide grants to residents who suffered damages from Dorian, and could open the door to additional FEMA recovery programs, like temporary housing.

The individual assistance request remains under review and state officials have urged federal agencies and North Carolina’s congressional delegation to work to expediate federal approval.

Governor Cooper and state officials surveyed the recovery process underway on Ocracoke Island on September 23rd. Ocracoke faces unique challenges and the state continues to provide critical support services to the island including the following:

A team of emergency managers to support Hyde County officials in coordinating response and recovery efforts
Airlift of food, water and emergency personnel to island
Two Urban Search and Rescue task forces that provided the initial search of island, helped evacuate injured and assisted with donations and supply management and other tasks in days following the storm
Emergency fuel supplies and repairs to get fuel service available
Damage assessment teams to document the need for federal help
NC Office of Emergency Medical Services is providing a mobile medical clinic staffed by physician and eight-person medical team
Mental health counselors who have made hundreds of contacts with residents in need
Food preparation and feeding by volunteer organizations with more than 10,000 meals served
Laundry and shower units from Baptists on Mission
National Guard cleared roads and removed boats from roadways
Four NC Alcohol Law Enforcement agents assisting Hyde County Sheriff’s Department in addition to other counties sheriff’s deputies
Cleanup and disposal of dead fish and marine life by NC National Guard
National Guard personnel and equipment to assist with transportation and donations management
50 portable toilets and 32 handwashing stations
Several volunteer groups supported by the state are at work on the island mucking out houses
NC Department of Insurance working with insurers to remove flooded vehicles from island
Distribution of relief supplies from fire department being managed by local government, with help from volunteer agencies and local volunteers
A central receiving and distribution point has been established on the mainland to manage the flow of supplies and donated goods onto the island
The DHHS Division of Health Service Regulation will leave and maintain the mobile disaster hospital assets while the Ocracoke health center is being repaired
NCDOT and the North Carolina Ferry System are maintaining additional ferry routes between Hatteras and Ocracoke-Silver Lake to address public concerns
Joint local/state recovery center opened on the island Oct. 1 where Hyde County agencies, NC Emergency Management and voluntary relief agencies are assisting residents with housing and other unmet needs.