Nearly $43 Million In FEMA Assistance Provided To North Carolina Applicants For Ice Storm Damages
Release Date: March 14, 2003
Release Number: R4-03-31
Atlanta, GA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it has provided nearly $43 million in federal funds to help cover the cost of eligible damages and emergency costs incurred by communities, state agencies and non-profit agencies in last December's ice storm.
According to Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch, the funds were made available through FEMA's Public Assistance program in the 43 designated counties. President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for the state on December 12, 2002.
To date, a total of $42,741,607 in federal funds has been obligated. Under the program, which is administered by the State of North Carolina, eligible costs have been reimbursed to governments and certain non-profit units for a variety of assistance categories. To date, federal funds have been provided to cover debris removal ($29,542,606), emergency protective measures ($3,187,017), and restoration of roads and bridges ($39,452), public buildings ($332,967), publicly-owned utilities ($9,608,546), and recreational or other ($31,019).
"These numbers will continue to increase dramatically in the next few weeks as various projects around the state are completed," State Coordinating Officer Dr. Kenneth B. Taylor said. "FEMA provides 75 percent of the various projects' costs, with the remaining 25 percent coming from the State."
To date, 627 project worksheets (PW) have been reviewed, approved and obligated. Disaster officials estimate that more than 800 PWs will be submitted from the 300 applicants who have requested state and federal disaster assistance following the ice storm. Several other million dollar-plus projects for debris removal and the restoration of publicly-owned electrical utility system damages are in the final stage of approval and will be announced shortly.
"We are continuing to support North Carolina's commitment to restore vital community services, achieve a full and lasting recovery, and reimburse eligible costs so that communities will have the necessary financial resources to face future disasters," said Bolch.
The 43 counties designated for Public Assistance include Alamance, Alexander, Anson, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne and Wilson.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19-Mar-2003 15:49:32