Governor Stein requests federal disaster declaration for Chatham County following damage assessments

In a recent meeting of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, officials discussed the implications of recent disaster declarations and the potential for federal assistance following significant damage in the area. The meeting highlighted the criteria for receiving state and federal aid, particularly in the wake of the recent emergency declarations by Governor Stein.

A key point of discussion was the threshold for federal disaster declarations, which requires at least 25 homes to be substantially damaged or destroyed. While acknowledging the devastating impact on individual homeowners, officials emphasized the need to frame the situation in terms of eligibility for assistance. Currently, Chatham County is under a state Type 1 disaster declaration, which allows for some assistance but does not equate to a federal declaration. This distinction is crucial, as it affects the types of aid available to residents and businesses.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has already designated neighboring Orange and Durham Counties as disaster areas, which opens up eligibility for SBA disaster loans for Chatham County residents due to its contiguous status. However, homeowners must apply for these loans, which are not grants and require repayment. This process can be burdensome for those already facing significant losses.

The meeting also addressed the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which could provide funding for projects aimed at reducing future disaster risks. Examples discussed included improvements to stormwater systems and potential buyouts of flood-prone properties. While the county is actively seeking to identify properties for potential buyouts, participation is voluntary for homeowners, and the county is working to build a portfolio of interested residents to maximize funding opportunities.

As the county awaits a response to the governor's request for a federal major disaster declaration, officials remain focused on assessing local damage and exploring all available avenues for assistance. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the recovery efforts for Chatham County residents and businesses affected by recent disasters.