RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory announced today that financial assistance is available for survivors of the severe storms that struck Stanly and adjoining counties, including Rowan, on June 13. The aid is a result of the governor’s request for a disaster declaration by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“This was a significant storm that impacted more than two dozen counties from the mountains to the coast,” McCrory said in a news release. “Now many of those homeowners, renters and business owners whose property was damaged or destroyed can apply for low-interest loans or grants to help get back on their feet.”
McCrory sent the request for assistance to the SBA last week. Today he proclaimed a state disaster declaration enabling those who do not qualify for SBA loans to seek state funds to help them recover.
While Stanly was the only county that met the threshold for SBA assistance, residents and business owners in the surrounding counties of Rowan, Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Montgomery, Richmond and Union counties can also apply for the federal assistance.
“We’re going to do everything we can to help residents in these communities recover as quickly as possible,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Kieran Shanahan. “Recovery teams from the SBA and North Carolina Emergency Management will be at the disaster outreach center to help individuals complete their applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program and explain the application process.”
A U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Thursday at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center at 26032 Newt Road in Albemarle. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, July 18, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. The center will be closed Sunday, July 15.
Loans up to $200,000 are available through the SBA to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed structures. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as clothing, appliances, etc.