Press Release
State continues support for Ocracoke’s recovery from Hurricane Dorian.

Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Dorian’s storm surge inundated Ocracoke Island, the state of North Carolina continues to provide critical support services to the island.

“Ocracoke took the brunt of Dorian’s wrath, and I’ve directed damage assessment teams to act on an expedited timeline as they continue their efforts,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “We are working to get all possible assistance for the people of Ocracoke and everyone else recovering from Hurricane Dorian. I urge our congressional delegation and federal partners to expedite approval of North Carolina’s request for a federal disaster declaration.”

Since the storm flooded the island on Sept. 6, the state has worked with Hyde County to provide critical response and recovery resources to the island including the following: 

Additionally, companies across the state and nation have contributed supplies to residents and recovery workers on the island. The Governor requested a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance from FEMA on September 13th and is awaiting approval. State officials have encouraged North Carolina’s congressional leaders, including Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis to work to expedite approval of this request.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to governments for the costs of cleaning up and repairing storm damage to public facilities and infrastructure.

The damage assessment process is continuing on Ocracoke, Hatteras and in mainland counties to determine the full extent of housing damages. FEMA requires a thorough housing damage assessment in all affected areas in order to consider a request for Individual Assistance to homeowners and renters. State damage assessment teams have been directed to work on an expedited timeline to complete damage assessments in each county to move forward with additional federal requests.

This press release is from the office of the governor.