N.C. Gov. Easley Reports $4.6M in Grants for Storm Damaged Homes

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley announced that eight North Carolina communities will receive $4.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help 56 families displaced by the devastation of last fall’s hurricanes and storms move into new or rehabilitated homes. The effort is part of the Operation Brighter Day hurricane assistance program.

“This money will help these people rebuild their homes and their lives,” Easley said. “I will continue to aggressively seek resources at all levels of government to help people, businesses and communities as they continue to recover from the devastation of last year’s storms.”

The CDBG funds will be used to rehabilitate or buy hurricane-damaged homes and relocate their owners. Each of the following communities will receive $600,000 for this purpose: Avery County, Beaufort County, Town of Belhaven, Carteret County, Hyde County, Mitchell County and the Town of Newland.

In addition, Yancey County will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate damaged homes or acquire homes that sit in flood plains.

CDBG funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce. All North Carolina small cities are eligible to apply for funds, except for 23 cities and two urban counties that receive funds directly from HUD.