Governor Pat McCrory this evening received a federal disaster declaration to help individuals in Onslow County recover from the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew.
“This announcement marks another step forward in providing assistance to hardworking families and businesses in Onslow County," said Governor McCrory."While it will likely take months to fully recover, these funds will help those who are suffering to begin to rebuild their lives."
Press Releases
The Department of Transportation has reopened a section of U.S. 74 closed by floodwater from Hurricane Matthew last week. A section of the highway at the Robeson-Columbus County line has been put into a two-lane, two-way pattern while repairs to the roadway are continuing.
A second section of U.S. 74 has a right lane closure near N.C. 130 in Robeson County.
Governor Pat McCrory is urging people to be aware of dangerous conditions that persist in flooded areas even as relief efforts are making progress in central and eastern North Carolina in response to Hurricane Matthew.
"Although floodwaters are receding and relief efforts are making progress, all residents and visitors need to remain vigilant in areas that were impacted by Hurricane Matthew," said Governor McCrory. "We will continue working together with local and federal partners to help those in need."
UPDATE: 10/18/2016 9 p.m.
Escaped inmate Dennis Carver #0478723 was captured at about 8:20 this evening in Kings Mountain. He had escaped early this afternoon from Gaston Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison in Dallas.
Carter was serving a 5-year sentence for vehicle theft. He will be charged with felony escape from prison. His daughter, Tonya Carver, is also being charged, with aiding in his escape.
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Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew are asked to contact the Electronic Benefits Transfer Call Center to request replacement benefits.
The Call Center number is 1-866-719-0141.
Callers are asked to be patient since call volumes may be high.
Food and Nutrition Services recipients have until tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 18, to request replacement of their benefits if they experienced food losses that can be attributed to Hurricane Matthew.
Thanks to Department of Transportation and contractor crews working around the clock over the weekend, I-95 was reopened in both directions in Cumberland and Robeson counties this morning.
Following his visit to New Bern earlier today, Governor Pat McCrory has announced that federal individual assistance is now available for residents of Craven County affected by recent flooding. Last week, the county qualified for public assistance.
“Earlier today I mentioned that getting this approval was one of our top priorities,” said Governor McCrory. “I’m glad that the federal government has approved our request for needed additional assistance for the residents affected by Hurricane Matthew in Craven County."
Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew now have an additional 10 days to request replacement benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the period for Food and Nutrition Services recipients to request replacement benefits to Oct. 28 if they experienced food losses that can be attributed to the hurricane.
A traffic shift that allows a lane of I-95 South to be open near mile marker 78 close to the Johnston-Harnett County line is now in place. The southbound side of the highway at that location was washed away by flood water from Hurricane Matthew earlier in the week.
Department of Transportation crews placed temporary pavement on the southbound side of the median of the interstate to open a single lane so traffic can get by while work gets underway to repair the regular southbound lanes. That is expected to take about one week to complete.
Organizations operating shelters for Hurricane Matthew survivors are not able to accept food donations from individuals or organizations such as churches and civic groups. These organizations must be careful to ensure that all food and beverages distributed in shelters are within state health department guidelines, and are not able to use food or beverage donations, whether packaged or prepared.