Thursday, August 29, 2019

$4.1 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-prone Properties, Minimize Disaster Damage

DURHAM
Aug 29, 2019

The State of North Carolina and FEMA are announcing more than $4.1 million to eliminate flood risks at certain repetitively damaged properties in Pender County following Hurricane Florence.   The funds will acquire 25 residential structures in Pender County to convert them to open spaces and conserve natural floodplain functions.

“Pender County is pleased to be able to assist our citizens through this long-term recovery process and looks forward to additional opportunities,” said Kyle Breuer, Planning and Community Development director. “These mitigation actions will help us meet our goal of becoming more resilient from future storm events.”

“This is an important step in our long-term recovery from Hurricane Florence,” said George Brown, Pender County Chairman Board of Commissioners. “These properties were at risk of continued flood damage.”

FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. FEMA’s share for these projects is nearly $3.1 million and the state’s share is more than $1 million. 

The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to local governments. 

The agency provides funding for property acquisitions through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. HMGP funding encourages states and local governments by funding projects to help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence, visit ncdps.gov/Florence and FEMA.gov/Disaster/4393. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.