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SBA Declares Disaster in North Carolina Counties Following Tropical Storm Ernesto

WASHINGTON – Steven C. Preston, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), today declared a disaster due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto that occurred on August 31, 2006.

Administrator Preston took this action following a September 18, 2006 request from Governor Michael F. Easley. The declaration covers Duplin and Jones counties , and the neighboring counties of Carteret, Craven, Lenoir, Onslow, Pender, Sampson and Wayne in North Carolina.

“We look forward to working with the state of North Carolina to make low-interest federal disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and small businesses,” said Administrator Preston.

According to Frank Skaggs, Director of Disaster Field Operations Center – East, the SBA worked with state officials to survey damage in the area even before the governor's request. “Once we have identified local facilities in the declared counties, we will be able to provide one-on-one assistance to those affected by the disaster,” Skaggs said.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses only, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit SBA in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling toll free (800) 659-2955 . Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is November 24, 2006. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 25, 2007.

DUPLIN COUNTY RESPONSE #2
UPDATE
October 5, 2006

Duplin County Administration
10:00 a.m. Thursday October 5, 2006

The temporary office opened in the Agricultural Building located at 209 Seminary Street, Kenansville, NC 28349 has extended their operation to include Tuesday October 10th thru Thursday October 12th. Hours of operation will continue to be as follows:

9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. (today thru Friday October 6th)
Saturday October 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CLOSED – Monday October 9th
Tuesday October 10th to Thursday October 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Applications for disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Persons to contact are: Mr. David LaPrad at (404) 326-2236 or Ms. Ann Davis at that location.

DUPLIN COUNTY RESPONSE #3
UPDATE
October 11, 2006

State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor

Michael F. Easley

Governor

Release: IMMEDIATE

Contact: Renee Hoffman

Date: 10/11/2006

Phone: (919) 733-5612

GOV. EASLEY DECLARES JONES AND DUPLIN COUNTIES STATE DISASTER AREAS

State Grants Will Be Available For Low Income Families

 

Raleigh - Gov. Mike Easley today declared a state disaster for Jones and Duplin counties to provide aid to low income families, who would not otherwise get support, to recover from flood damage to their homes caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto. So far, 12 families applied for and were denied loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration because they lacked the ability to repay the loan, but that number is likely to grow.

“People on fixed incomes, senior citizens or single parents often have difficulty borrowing money but should not be denied help,” Easley said. “ North Carolina can and will step in to provide the financial assistance they need to repair their homes.”

Jones and Duplin counties now qualify for the state's disaster declaration for individual assistance. This declaration means the state covers the entire cost for essential needs, with a maximum eligible award of $25,000. Home owners are eligible for real and personal property damages and renters are eligible for personal property damages only.

“Since the federal government is unable to assist these residents, who clearly show they need help, it is important that the state is able to step in,” said Rep. William Wainwright (D-Craven). “This is another example of our North Carolina values to come to aid those in need.”

“The state worked quickly to make sure that those affected by Ernesto were able to stay out of harm's way when the storm hit,' said Sen. Charles Albertson (D-Duplin). “Now we can help those who suffered damage from the storm get their lives back to normal.”

In order to qualify for grants from the state, residents must first apply for an SBA loan and be denied. The SBA then turns that information over to the state, which inspects the property for eligible repairs. Once the state approves the repair, a grant is issued to the family.

Residents have until November 10, 2006 , to be processed by the SBA and once denied an SBA loan, to have their claim forwarded to the state. Applications for SBA loans can be made by calling the SBA toll-free at 1-800-659-2955.

Although the damage from Tropical Storm Ernesto was not enough for a federal presidential declaration, the storm damage did qualify for SBA assistance. In September, the SBA approved a disaster declaration for Duplin and Jones counties to help qualifying businesses and homeowners pay for repairs and other expenses related to damages from Tropical Storm Ernesto.