Governor McCrory Announces Aid for Flood Survivors | Eastern North Carolina Now

    For Immediate Release:

Governor McCrory Announces Aid for Flood Survivors

    Governor Pat McCrory announced today that financial help is available for storm survivors who suffered flood damage in Catawba and adjacent counties July 12 through 27.

    Heavy rains and flash flooding July 12 and 13 knocked down trees and power lines, prompted mudslides and damaged homes, businesses and roads across Burke and Caldwell counties. Two weeks later, between 10 and 12 inches of rain fell within a few hours in portions of Catawba and Lincoln counties. The torrential rainfall prompted many areas to flood for the second or third time in the past two months.

    "The tremendous amount of rain in such a short period of time is unprecedented," said Governor McCrory. "The torrential rains impacted hundreds of people and we know many residents need help recovering."

    The governor sent a disaster request for assistance to the Small Business Administration (SBA) last week to allow residents and business owners to apply for federal assistance.

    Governor McCrory proclaimed a state disaster declaration today enabling those who do not qualify for SBA loans to seek state funds to help them recover.

    While Catawba was the only county that met the threshold for SBA assistance, residents and business owners in the surrounding counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Iredell and Lincoln can also apply for the financial assistance.

    "Recovery teams from the SBA and North Carolina Emergency Management will be at the disaster outreach center for the next week," said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "The teams can help individuals complete their applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program and explain the application process."

    Local and state emergency management staff and SBA officials surveyed the most recent flood damages last week. County reports indicate more than 800 homes and businesses just in Catawba County sustained damage, 30 of those were destroyed or had major damage.

    A U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open tomorrow from noon until 6 p.m. at the Catawba County Agriculture Resource Center at 1175 South Brady Ave. in Newton. It will be open again Friday, Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.10. The center will be closed Sunday, Aug. 11, but will be open next Monday, Aug. 12 through Thursday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Loans up to $200,000 are available through the SBA to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed structures. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as clothing, appliances, etc. Storm victims in the designated counties who do not qualify for a federal loan may be eligible for a state grant.

    Businesses and nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for physical damage. Working capital loans are also available to small businesses and most private non-profit organizations.

    Interest rates are as low as 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 2.875 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.

    Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center can apply via the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community can call 800-877-8339.

    Read Executive Order 19 here.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov estate.