Governor Pat McCrory’s Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee held its fifth and final regional meeting today in Lenoir County, during which the governor officially called for a special legislative session scheduled for December 13. During the meeting, the committee also discussed plans for relief efforts, community outreach assistance and long-term recovery for the communities affected by the storm.
"Now that we have received input directly from the communities most impacted by Hurricane Matthew, I am officially requesting that the legislature convene for a special session to address these important needs as quickly as possible,” said Governor McCrory. “I want to thank the communities for their feedback and the members of the committee for their tireless work to help North Carolina recover. While this is the final regional meeting, our work the help those in need is far from complete.”
During today's meeting, the governor addressed those in attendance and members heard updates on the status of the ongoing recovery efforts in the area from N.C. Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry and representatives from FEMA. The committee, which is chaired by the governor's Chief of Staff Thomas Stith, also took comments from the public to gain a greater understanding of the continuing needs in Lenoir County and the surrounding region.
Governor McCrory announced that he signed Executive Order No. 117 yesterday, which will allow for the expedited movement of manufactured housing for those forced from their homes by Hurricane Matthew. The order waives certain size and weight restrictions and registration requirements to ensure the homes arrive to those who need them as quickly as possible.
Currently, residents of Bladen, Columbus, Edgecombe, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson and Wayne counties are eligible for manufactured housing as a temporary solution while they repair their storm-damaged homes. More storm-affected counties may be added soon, enabling more people access to this option for temporary housing.
Governor McCrory announced the formation of the Committee in late October, and convened the first meeting in Raleigh on November 1. Initial assessments estimate Hurricane Matthew caused $2 billion in economic damage. Earlier this month, the governor submitted a formal request for more than $1 billion in federal assistance and laid out a timeline for a request of additional recovery funding from the state.
The governor is encouraging individuals and groups to help in the relief efforts by making a financial or other contribution. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org. This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts.
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