North Carolina

FEMA money, SBA loans available for NC counties after potential tropical cyclone

Gov. Roy Cooper announced that disaster designations following a potential mid-September tropical cyclone means federal money can cover emergency work and low-interest loans in affected counties in Southeastern North Carolina.

On Saturday, Cooper announced that the “major disaster declaration” means Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance funding will be available for emergency work and repairs and replacements, in Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover and Onslow counties, according to a news release.

The Small Business Administration also granted a request for an SBA disaster declaration, meaning low-interest loans will be available for renters, along with business and home owners in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties, the release states.

“This storm brought historic rainfall and severe flooding to several areas of our state causing significant damage,” Cooper said in the release. “These disaster declarations will help bring needed relief for folks impacted by the storm, including small business owners.”

First responders rescue the occupants of several vehicles stranded in floodwaters on US 17 near NC 87 in Brunswick County, NC, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024
First responders rescue the occupants of several vehicles stranded in floodwaters on US 17 near NC 87 in Brunswick County, NC, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 Brunswick County Sheriff's Office

This story was originally published October 20, 2024 at 10:25 AM.

Virginia Bridges
The News & Observer
Virginia Bridges covers what is and isn’t working in North Carolina’s criminal justice system for The News & Observer’s and The Charlotte Observer’s investigation team. She has worked for newspapers for more than 20 years. The N.C. State Bar Association awarded her the Media & Law Award for Best Series in 2018, 2020 and 2025.
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