Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2007-05-23, Gov. Easley Adds 15 Counties To Request For Federal Disaster Declaration For Crop Damage Due To Hard Freeze

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron Date: May 23, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ADDS 15 COUNTIES TO REQUEST FOR FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR CROP DAMAGE DUE TO HARD FREEZE RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced he has added 15 counties to his request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for designation as disaster areas due to the freezing temperatures the state experienced during Easter weekend, April 6-9. Latest estimates put losses across the state at about $100 million. “The freeze has had a very significant impact on those who depend on fruit and vegetable crops, particularly apples and peaches,” said Easley. “In some cases, growers may not know the extent of their losses and what they will need to do to recover until this summer, but we must move ahead so we can get them help without delay.” Among the items affected by the loss were: nursery crops including cultivated plants, perennials, shrubs and vines; fruits and vegetables, including apples, peaches and various berries; and com, wheat, barley, rye, oats and Irish potatoes. The 15 counties Easley asked to be added to the list for disaster designation arc: Beaufort Catawba Jones Robeson Swain Buncombe Cherokee McDowell Rowan Washington Caldwell Davie Pamlico Scotland Wilson In the initial assessment last month, the governor asked for disaster designations in 47 counties: Alexander Cleveland Hoke Nash Sampson Alleghany Cumberland Hyde Northampton Stanly Anson Davidson Iredell Onslow Union Ashe Duplin Jackson Orange Watauga Avery Gaston Lenoir Pender Wayne Bladen Gates Lincoln Perquimans Wilkes Burke Greene Mecklenburg Polk Yadkin Cabarrus Halifax Mitchell Richmond Chatham Haywood Montgomery Rockingham Chowan Henderson Moore Rutherford A disaster designation is the first step toward making federal Emergency Credit Loans available to the fanners in these counties. - MORE - Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166