Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory announced that financial assistance is available for victims of the flooding that struck northeastern North Carolina last month after the remnants of Tropical Storm Julia dumped between 10 and 17 inches of rain in the region. At the governor’s request, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a disaster loan outreach center next week in Windsor to assist homeowners and business owners impacted by the flood.

 

"The record flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Julia had devastating impacts on the residents, businesses and agricultural industry in Bertie and surrounding counties," said Governor McCrory.  "As Hurricane Matthew approaches North Carolina and we monitor potential flooding over the next several days, I am encouraged that this assistance will help areas that have already been impacted by heavy rains. The opening of the disaster loan outreach center will help our citizens begin to receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild."

 

Governor McCrory sent the request for assistance to the SBA last week. While Bertie was the only county that met the threshold for SBA assistance, residents and business owners in the surrounding counties of Chowan, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Northampton and Washington counties can also apply for federal assistance to help with damages incurred as a result of Tropical Storm Julia. The governor has declared a State Type I Disaster for Individual Assistance, opening the door for the affected counties to receive federal assistance.

 

A U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open in the NC Emergency Management Mobile Command Center temporarily located at 110 Jasper Bazemore Ave. in Windsor. The assistance center will open Tuesday, October 11 from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and again from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays through Tuesday, October 18. The center will be open Saturday, October 22 from 2-4 pm and will be closed Sunday. The center will close for good at 4 pm Tuesday, October 18.

 

Loans up to $200,000 are available through the SBA to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed structures. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as clothing, appliances, etc. 

 

Businesses and non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for physical damage. Working capital loans are also available to small businesses and most private non-profit organizations.

 

Interest rates are as low as 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 2.875 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

 

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center can apply via the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community can call 800-877-8339.