FEMA provides North Carolina with funding to recover from Hurricane Florence

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it will reimburse the South River Electric Membership Corporation in Dunn, N.C., for damage to its electrical system following Hurricane Florence.

The hurricane, which hit the region in September 2018, produced high winds, rain, and flooding that damaged overhead utility poles, lines, and transformers in multiple counties. The South River Electric Membership Corporation provides electrical service to Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Johnston and Sampson counties in North Carolina. These counties were all included in the presidential disaster declaration following Hurricane Florence,

The grant is through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides grants for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to reimburse the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repair work. Through this program, FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs, and the state of North Carolina covers the remaining 25 percent.

FEMA’s share for this project is more than $2.8 million, which is paid directly to the state. The state then disburses funds to the agencies, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs. The total funding for disaster relief will be $3.8 million. For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence, visit ncdps.gov/Florence and FEMA.gov/Disaster/4393.