Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron
Date: September 26, 2006 Phone:
919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SBA APPROVAL OF DISASTER DECLARATION
Move Provides Aid to Citizens In Duplin and Jones Counties Following Tropical Storm Ernesto
RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the federal Small Business Administration has
approved a disaster declaration for Duplin and Jones counties to help businesses and homeowners pay
for repairs and other expenses related to damages from Tropical Storm Ernesto. The agency will make
low-interest loans available to pay costs related to recovery from flooding in the southeastern part of
the state late last month.
“Homeowners and businesses heeded warnings issued during the storm and did what they could to be
safe during Ernesto,” Easley said. “These low-interest loans will help those that suffered losses recover
and restore their lives more quickly.”
In addition to Duplin and Jones, seven contiguous counties are included in the SBA’s disaster
declaration. They are: Carteret, Craven, Lenoir, Onslow, Pender, Sampson and Wayne.
“I appreciate the hard work of the people in the Division of Emergency Management and the Small
Business Administration. This aid is critical to making sure the people affected by Ernesto in the
Southeastern part of the state fully recover,” said state Sen. R.C. Soles (D-Columbus).
“The state moved quickly to help citizens in this area during the storm and, now it will continue to
work to aid with recovery,” said state Rep. Carolyn Justice (R-Pender).
The SBA’s loan rates range from 3.1 percent to 7.9 percent, with lower rates available to those with
limited borrowing options. Applicants should submit their information to one of the following three
locations:
The U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925
Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX, 76155
Duplin County: Old Ag. Extension Office, 209 Seminary Street, Kenansville
Jones County: Old Finance Office, 389 Highway 58 South, Trenton (across from ABC store)
Offices will open daily in both Duplin and Jones counties starting Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to
6 p.m. until further notice. The offices will also be open on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The deadline for submitting a physical loan application is Nov. 24, 2006, and for an economic injury
loan, June 25, 2007.
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166