Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2008-12-18, Gov. Easley Declares Disaster In Three Cabarrus County Towns: Local Governments Eligible For State Disaster Recovery Assistance

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Renee Hoffman Date: December 1 8, 2008 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY DECLARES DISASTER IN THREE CABARRUS COUNTY TOWNS Local Governments Eligible for State Disaster Recovery Assistance RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today declared the towns of Mount Pleasant, Kannapolis and Concord state disaster areas as a result of flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fay in these communities on August 26 and 27, making the towns eligible for state assistance to pay for their response and repair costs. In August, Easley declared Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties state disaster areas, which made residents and businesses in those counties eligible to apply for state disaster grants and U.S. Small Business Administration loans. “The cost of this disaster was more than these towns could pay for on their own and this declaration means the state will help them with response and recovery funds,” said Easley. Heavy rains from Fay caused significant flooding in parts of North Carolina in late August, but the worst damage was in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties. In Cabarrus, nearly 100 homes and businesses suffered flooding, and affected residents and businesses owners were able to get federal loans and state grants to help with repairs. The three towns recently completed their assessment of the cost of emergency responders and repairs to public facilities, which totaled nearly S3 million dollars. Concord and Kannapolis both suffered more than $1 million in damages to roads and bridges and more than S200,000 in emergency response costs. Mount Pleasant had nearly $70,000 in road damages and response costs of about $2,500. A chart of the costs is below. The state will pay 75 percent of the costs and the local government will pay 25 percent. Easley toured Cabarrus County after the flood and credited the quick action of local emergency responders and swift water rescue teams with saving lives. Town/City Mt. Pleasant Kannapolis Concord TOTALS Emergency Protective Measures $ 2,449 $228,940 $200,000 $431,389 Roads/Bridges $ 67,829 $1,340,836 $1,102,708 $2,511,373 ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166