Hurricane Florence caused destruction of vessels, gear and buildings that are key to North Carolina fishing firms.
North Carolina to receive federal funds to relieve damage caused by Hurricane Florence
UNITED STATES
Monday, December 10, 2018, 23:30 (GMT + 9)
The US Department of Commerce has conferred North Carolina (NC) Government the fishery disaster declaration due to the damage that Hurricane Florence caused to its fisheries sector, a measure that will allow it to grant federal relief funds.
2018 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30
NC Governor Roy Asberry Cooper welcomed US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross’s response to his request of fishing disaster declaration.
“We must rebuild smarter and stronger than ever and I will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to bring recovery funds to those who need them,” said Governor Cooper.
The declaration of disaster is a critical step for Congress to appropriate fishery disaster assistance. Since Hurricane Florence, Governor Cooper has worked with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation to secure federal recovery funds.
Damage caused by Hurricane Florence
In November, the governor sent congressional leaders a request for an additional USD 6.3 billion in federal aid, including a declaration of disaster for North Carolina’s fisheries and USD 20 million for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Disaster Assistance. North Carolina’s full federal request is USD 8.8 billion.
According to the state Division of Marine Fisheries, the North Carolina commercial fishing industry generated more than USD 96 million in revenue in 2017.
Declaring a federal fishery resource disaster can assist with long-term relief for commercial fishing families struggling to make a living while repairing their businesses. Hurricane Florence’s historic rainfall and powerful winds destroyed boats, gear and buildings critical to fishing businesses.
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