Washington, DC -— Congressman G. K. Butterfield applauded today’s federal disaster declaration by President Obama for people affected by the recent storms in eastern North Carolina.
“This is welcome news in a time of need,” Butterfield said. “People will certainly need help as they work to put their lives back together.”
Today, President Obama declared a major disaster declaration for North Carolina, triggering the release of federal funds to help people recover from the severe storms, flooding and winds associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole that occurred September 27 to October 1, 2010.
The declaration covers residents in Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Onslow, and Tyrell counties. The declaration includes individual assistance and hazard mitigation funds for state and local governments and certain non-profits.
Butterfield represents all or parts of Beaufort, Bertie, Craven and Hertford counties.
The toll-free tele-registration number for disaster survivors: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTD 1-800-462-7585. Individual assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Hazard mitigation funds can be used for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
Last week, Butterfield was among the state’s congressional delegation who sent a letter to President Obama urging the disaster declaration. U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr and U.S. Reps. Walter Jones and Mike McIntyre also signed onto the letter.
Butterfield said that he will continue to push for a federal disaster declaration for the agricultural losses. Many agricultural areas across the affected counties were flooded and losses expected to total millions of dollars.