Anson, Ashe Counties Now Eligible For Federal Assistance 

Release Date: September 25, 2004
Release Number: 1546-015

» More Information on North Carolina Tropical Storm Frances

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Anson and Ashe counties are now eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance to repair or replace public facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Frances, officials with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and North Carolina’s Department of Crime Control and Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management (CCPS-DEM) announced today.

The addition brings the number of North Carolina counties eligible for Public Assistance for Frances damage to 17. They are: Anson, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

Federal Coordinating Officer Justin DeMello said this latest disaster designation means that governmental entities in these counties can apply for help with eligible costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program also provides funds to repair, restore or replace facilities owned by certain private, nonprofit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care or other essential governmental service facilities.

North Carolina State Coordinating Officer Dr. Kenneth Taylor added that the first step toward providing assistance to communities for repairing damaged public infrastructure is for community officials to submit a Request for Public Assistance.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 27-Sep-2004 08:19:20