Representative Michael H. Wray’s Raleigh Report


The work of our interim committees has begun and I am preparing to return to Raleigh for a session scheduled to begin on November 7. There are a number of potential topics that may be considered during the session, including redistricting and local bills. We may also consider a relief package for the tens of thousands of people who suffered damage or injury, as a result of Hurricane Irene in August. The state has been very engaged in providing relief to the people in the 38 counties that have been declared federal disaster areas and I want to update you this week on where the recovery effort is and what may be ahead.

Hurricane Recovery

The working group overseeing the state’s response to Hurricane Irene response met most recently this week. A representative of the Governor’s Office will present an update on the state’s response and its cost at the Oct. 27 meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on Governmental Operations. To date, the total estimated cost of recovery is $139 million. The state’s share of that is $29.6 million. The state is also preparing an aid package that it will present to federal legislators next week.

State and federal officials continue to meet with those harmed by the hurricane. Six additional community meetings are scheduled through Oct. 29. These meetings will be in Winton, Washington, Kill Devil Hills, Swan Quarter, Columbia and Grantsboro. Please let me know if you would like additional information about them.

A toll-free number for questions about flood insurance claims has been established. It’s open from 8 am-7 pm Mondays-Saturdays until Nov. 23. The number is 855-336-2002.

The deadline to register with FEMA for federal financial assistance has been extended to Nov. 30.

Hurricane Irene Facts

  • 38 counties have received federal disaster declarations
  • 210,000 tons of debris has been cleared from public roadsides
  • Removal of debris from some private roads is ongoing
  • 52 temporary housing units are occupied in Beaufort and Pamlico counties and 73 more have been approved for placement
  • 157 families are in transitional shelter. The program has been extended until Oct. 29 because of the limited availability of affordable rental housing in Beaufort, Dare, Halifax, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties
  • Seven of the 27 disaster recovery centers opened to assist those who suffered losses in the storm remain open. These sites are in Chocowinity, Manteo, Swan Quarter, Columbia, New Bern, Halifax and Grantsboro
  • 32,176 people have registered with FEMA for state and federal assistance
  • 15,928 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
  • 23,946 damaged homes have been inspected and paperwork sent to FEMA; 363 homes awaiting inspection
  • $25.4 million approved in federal disaster grants to homeowners and renters
  • $23.5 million in Small Business Administration loans

Thank you for your interest in state government. In the meantime, please contact me if I can be of help.

Keep in touch,

Michael H. Wray

NC House District 27