Press Releases

DURHAM, N.C. – FEMA and the state of North Carolina are announcing more than $18 million to reimburse expenses restoring beaches damaged during Hurricane Florence.  The funds reimburse nourishing sand and replacing plants at beaches located in the towns of Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores following damage from Hurricane Florence’s storm surge. 
Donations to North Carolina’s Disaster Relief Fund following Hurricane Florence have helped thousands of North Carolina families with housing, repairs and other needs in the past year. Governor Roy Cooper today thanked contributors as he met with storm survivors and non-profit partners in impacted communities this week.
DURHAM, N.C. – FEMA and the State of North Carolina are announcing nearly $4.4 million to reimburse the City of New Bern for debris cleanup activities following Hurricane Florence.  Beginning Sept. 9, 2018, the county hired contractors to remove vegetation and other debris from public rights of way throughout the county. The approved funds cover work completed through April 12, 2019. FEMA has approved a total of nearly $5 million to the City of New Bern for Hurricane Florence-related expenses.
Governor Roy Cooper will visit affected coastal areas again today and has directed North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) to continue efforts with state and local partners, including non-profits, to deliver recovery aid to North Carolinians in need.  As recovery from Hurricane Dorian continues, NCEM has requested assistance from FEMA in conducting joint preliminary damage assessments in storm-affected counties. The assessments will begin this week and are the first step in determining the scope of Hurricane Dorian’s damage.
Ocracoke remains a focus for emergency managers, National Guard soldiers, doctors, nurses, volunteer groups today. At Governor Cooper’s direction, resources are headed to hurricane battered coastal communities, many of which he visited yesterday.
Gov. Cooper is visiting coastal counties today to view storm damage as state and local emergency officials assess preliminary damage from Hurricane Dorian. “People on the ground who felt the effects of Dorian are our focus today,” said Governor Cooper. “Getting food, water and medical help to the people in need is the first priority. Utilities are working hard to restore power and we want life to return to normal as soon as possible in eastern North Carolina.”
DURHAM, N.C. – FEMA and the State of North Carolina are approving nearly $7.6 million to reimburse Hurricane Florence-related repairs to the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. The cooperative provides electrical service to Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Robeson counties, which were included in the presidential disaster declaration following Hurricane Florence.  High winds, rain and flooding caused by the hurricane damaged overhead utility poles, lines and transformers in multiple counties. 
As Hurricane Dorian’s effects arrive in North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper today urged North Carolinians stay safe and to stay off the roads. Extreme winds, heavy storm surge, tornadoes and the high risk of flash floods are all significant threats. “This is a powerful, dangerous storm,” said Governor Cooper. “Do not put yourselves or your families at risk and do not drive through flood waters.”
As Hurricane Dorian begins to hit North Carolina with areas of destructive tornadoes, heavy rains, damaging winds and power outages, Gov. Roy Cooper this afternoon urged North Carolinians should shelter in place and stay off the roads until the storm passes. “If your area is feeling the impacts of Dorian, please stay home and safe. Don’t drive through standing or moving water,” said Governor Cooper. “We are feeling the storm’s force, but it has only started. We have a long night ahead of us. “
DURHAM, N.C. – FEMA and the state of North Carolina are announcing nearly $6.4 million to reimburse Brunswick County for debris cleanup activities following Hurricane Florence.  FEMA has already approved more than $4 million for Brunswick County Hurricane Florence-related expenses. This brings the total to $10.4 million.