In the wake of Tropical Storm Chantal's devastating trek through North Carolina, the U.S. Small Business Administration has granted Governor Josh Stein's call for an administrative disaster declaration in eight counties. This move unlocks federal financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Granville, Orange, Person, and Wake counties. As reported by the Governor's Office, affected individuals may seek up to $500,000 for repairs or reconstruction of primary residences, and $100,000 for personal property losses, covering essentials from clothes to appliances.
Businesses and nonprofit organizations are also eligible for up to $2 million to restore damaged or lost property, resources crucial for the recuperation of the local economy. "This declaration will help families and business owners across central North Carolina who are still reeling from the severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal," Governor Stein stated. Furthermore, applications for these loans are accesible online through the MySBA Loan Portal or other locally announced avenues. For more details, the SBA’s Customer Service Center lends an ear via email at [email protected], or voice at 1-800-659-2955, including telecommunication relay services accessible by dialing 7-1-1, as per the the Governor's Office.
Since July 5, the State Emergency Response Team has been in active collaboration with local officials, deploying aid and conducting preliminary damage appraisals. Following a State of Emergency by Governor Stein on July 16, North Carolina Emergency Management is assessing the full scale of the tropical storm's impact alongside federal partners, work which will illuminate the path to additional recovery resources.
Residents with lingering cleanup needs from the storm's upheaval have a beacon through Crisis Cleanup, reachable at 910-218-1569 until August 1.
