Federal assistance has been approved for Transylvania County under the major
disaster declaration issued today following weeks of local and state advocacy. This
assistance is intended to supplement local recovery efforts from the damage sustained
from Tropical Storm Fred in mid-August.
"Today we are thankful for the assistance from our local, state, and federal partners in
advocating for the Official Disaster Declaration for Transylvania County and other
Counties in NC. This Declaration will assist in Federal funds and assistance for our
community as we attempt to rebuild from the recent damaging floods of this past
August," Transylvania County Commission Chairman Jason Chappell said.
Two types of assistance have been approved including Individual Assistance and
Public Assistance. Individual assistance will be managed on a case by case basis by
FEMA representatives and can include grants and low cost loans depending on the
individual circumstance. The latter will help repair public assets such as public roads
and water/ sewer infrastructure damaged by the storm. Individual assistance is
intended to help individuals and business owners.
A White House Press Release issued today included instructions for those impacted,
stating "Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated
counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at
http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-
462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers
will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further
notice."
Governor Roy Cooper toured the damage on September 5 after issuing a request for
the major disaster declaration on August 27. In a press release issued today,
Governor Cooper stated, "This federal disaster declaration will help provide assistance
for Western North Carolina communities to rebuild stronger and smarter, and I
appreciate the president's approval of our request."