Western North Carolina to Receive Federal Aid for Flood Repairs | Eastern NC Now

   Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Pat McCrory received a federal disaster declaration today to help 13 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians recover from this summer's severe flooding.

    The approved counties can now seek federal funds to help pay for 75 percent of eligible costs for infrastructure repairs, debris removal and emergency protective measures. Areas that were approved for the federal funding include:

Alleghany  •  Burke  •  Madison  •  Yancey  •  Ashe  •  Caldwell  •  Mitchell  •  Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians  •  Avery  •  Jackson  •  Polk  •  Buncombe  •  Macon  •  Watauga
    "This summer's flooding was a sobering reminder that all regions of our state are vulnerable to flooding even without hurricanes," Governor McCrory said. "These communities did a great job responding to the devastating floods and landslides. Now we can help them recover financially."

    Earlier this month the governor sent the aid request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 16 counties and the EBCI after local, state, tribal and federal emergency managers surveyed an estimated $25 million in public infrastructure damages and flood response. Catawba, Lincoln and Wilkes counties were included in the state's aid request but were not included in the federal disaster declaration. The state is appealing to FEMA to reconsider the counties that were omitted.

    A series of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains dumped between 10 and 20 inches of rain over much of the foothills and mountains from July 3 through 27.

    Several locations reported more than 20 inches of rainfall and many counties reported the wettest July on record. The record-breaking rainfall damaged roads, bridges, culverts, public utilities, parks and even some schools in many western counties.

    In two separate requests sent earlier this month, Governor McCrory sought federal funds from the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help pay for road repairs and provide financial assistance for farmers impacted by the summer floods. The governor also requested and received federal aid earlier this summer specifically for families and business owners to help them recover from the flooding.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov