Hyde Commissioners OK Grant for Dorian Aid
The action came during a special meeting Monday in the county government center called to consider reopening Ocracoke Island to visitors, but the board postponed a decision until 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Ocracoke Observer reported.
Gov. Roy Cooper’s office announced Wednesday the county board’s decision regarding the first installment of state assistance for Hyde County since the September storm.
“Hurricane Dorian caused significant destruction on Ocracoke Island, and these state funds will help those left without a home,” Cooper said in a statement. “We remain committed to rebuilding stronger and smarter and supporting those left in Hurricane Dorian’s aftermath with this important step.”
The grant will provide rental assistance and travel trailers to meet temporary housing needs, as well as professional project management assistance to the county to aid in rebuilding and recovery after Hurricane Dorian, the governor’s office said.
“We are grateful for this state assistance as our community tries to rebuild after the storm,” said Hyde County Manager Kris Noble. “We still have many displaced residents, and these funds for temporary housing and increased capacity in county government are critical to our recovery.”
Earlier this week, Cooper signed into law House Bill 200, which includes other recovery funds for Hyde County, including $1.7 million for repairs to the Ocracoke School. Additionally, $1.8 million will go to the Office of State Budget and Management to provide a directed grant to Hyde County for construction of a pump station and related watershed restoration infrastructure for the Lake Mattamuskeet watershed.
