Seven hurricanes and tropical storms hit North Carolina during 2004, left 50 counties under a State of Emergency with millions of dollars in damages to businesses, towns and homes.

Hurricane victims who had gotten help from their insurance companies or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and still had uninsured losses were able to apply for state financial aid. Recovery Application Centers (RACs) were located at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers in each of the 50 disaster-declared counties. Funding was primarily benefit low-income applicants.

The disaster recovery process requires that effected families and individuals  first seek help from their insurance companies. If their insurance does not cover the total loss, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides up to $5,100 per household to repair structural damage. If more funds are needed, the property owner must apply to the Small Business Administration for a loan. If the property owner is not eligible for a loan, then the federal/state program for personal property losses can provide additional assistance.

Disaster aid assists a person in recovering to a safe level of living, not necessarily to full restoration. The state is the final net to provide financial relief to storm victims, and the state  documents unmet needs so that everyone receives just compensation.

The Small Business Administration disbursed $44.5 million in disaster loans to home owners, renters or businesses in North Carolina following the two hurricanes.

More than $25 million in federal and state funding was sent to individuals and families for housing repairs, rental assistance and for the repair or replacement of private bridges. Another $20 million in federal and state dollars were allocated to assist local governments with their response costs and eligible uninsured losses.

« this page last modified 01/25/08 »