Gov. McCrory Announces Aid for Tornado Survivors in Eastern Counties | Eastern NC Now

    For Immediate Release:

Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens Friday

    RALEIGH     Gov. Pat McCrory Thursday, May 15, 2014 announced that financial assistance is available to help individuals and business owners recover from devastation caused by the April 25 tornadoes that struck eastern North Carolina. Storm victims in Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties can now apply for low-interest loans or grants to help them replace personal property and repair their homes and businesses.

    "This help could not come at a better time," said Governor Pat McCrory. "Now families can take some hope from the fact that they will have help replacing some of those losses and can soon begin cleaning up and rebuilding in earnest."

    The U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration means that residents and business owners in the declared counties can apply for low-interest federal loans in the following amounts:

    • Homeowners – up to $240,000 to repair or replace their homes and some personal belongings

    • Renters – up to $40,000 to replace personal belongings

    • Business Owners – up to $2 million for business property losses

    Those who do not qualify for SBA loans may be eligible for state funds to help to help them recover.

    State and federal emergency management agency representatives will staff Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the following communities to help individuals compete their applications.

Beaufort County Health Department
1436 Highland Drive  •  Washington, 27889
    May 16 – 17:  •  9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

    May 19 -23: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

    Pasquotank County Cooperative Extension Office

    1209 McPherson Street

    Elizabeth City, 27909

    Perquimans County

    512 South Church Street

    Hertford, 27944

    Teams from local, state and federal emergency management agencies spent a week surveying storm damage in Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties. Initial reports indicate more than 100 homes incurred major damage or were destroyed by the storms, while 400+ others suffered minor damages. The governor declared a state of emergency for the four counties April 28 and requested SBA assistance Monday. April 14, 2014 he proclaimed a state disaster declaration enabling those who do not qualify for SBA loans to seek state funds to help repair and replace personal property.

    Nine tornadoes swept through the state April 25, killing one and injuring 28 others. An EF3 tornado with winds of 150 miles per hour caused a 21-mile path of destruction across Beaufort County. Two EF2 tornadoes – with winds up to 125 miles per hour – tore 35- and 40-mile paths across Bertie, Chowan, Perquimans and Pasquotank counties. The storms caused significant damage in 17 counties, flooding roads, toppling trees and knocking out power to more than 6,000 residences and businesses.

    Contact: Lisa Respess
     Emergency Services Specialist

    Beaufort County Emergency Services
     1420 Highland Drive
     Washington, NC 27889
     (252) 946-2046 Office  •  (252) 975-6802 Fax  •  lisa.respess@co.beaufort.nc.us