Governor Pat McCrory this afternoon received a federal disaster declaration to help local governments and individuals in Lee, Moore and Wake Counties recover from the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew.
“Providing much needed assistance to families and businesses in Lee, Moore and Wake counties is another important step forward in the recovery process,” said Governor McCrory. “I appreciate our federal partners approving this important assistance the help those who are suffering to begin rebuilding their lives.”
With the addition of these three counties, 31 counties have now been approved for federal individual and public assistance and 9 counties have been approved for public assistance only. As joint preliminary damage assessments continue, the governor said he is hopeful that other counties will meet the federal criteria for a disaster declaration.
Since the Expedited Major Disaster Declaration on October 10, the federal government has disbursed more than $41 million to disaster survivors through the Individual Assistance Program. To date, more than 52,000 North Carolinians have already registered for this assistance.
The governor encouraged 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 visitingNCDisasterRelief.org. This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts.
For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter andFacebook. Call 5-1-1 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information.