Federal Assistance Would Help Recovery from Hurricane Irene

RALEIGH- Gov. Bev Perdue today thanked Congressman G.K. Butterfield for introducing legislation, at the Governor’s request, that would expedite federal aid for North Carolina farmers who suffered damage during Hurricane Irene.

“I hope every member of the North Carolina congressional delegation will join Congressman Butterfield and the co-sponsors of the legislation in helping our farmers,” Gov. Perdue said. “We must take every step possible to get our farmers’ lives and businesses back to normal. Every day that they have to wait makes it harder for them to get ready for the next crop.”

Gov. Perdue previously secured Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance for farmers affected by the hurricane in 42 counties. At the Governor’s request, the National Flood Insurance Program extended the deadline for farmers and other North Carolinians to file claims until Jan. 23. Gov. Perdue also directed the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide more than $600,000 to fund debris removal from streams and drainage ways in portions of eastern North Carolina and in Transylvania County.

Congressman Butterfield’s bill is H.R. 3740, and is co-sponsored by six other members of North Carolina’s delegation to the House of Representatives: Rep. David Price, Rep. Mel Watt, Rep. Brad Miller, Rep. Heath Shuler, Rep. Mike McIntyre and Rep. Larry Kissell.

source: http://www.governor.nc.gov