Travis Long | The News & Observer via AP
Donella Pressley looks over the flood damage to her home Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 in Bethel , N.C., after remnants from Tropical Storm Fred caused flooding in parts of Western North Carolina Tuesday.
RALEIGH — President Joe Biden approved a request on Wednesday for federal funds to be made available to residents of western North Carolina who saw major flooding last month due to Tropical Storm Fred.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper sought the emergency declaration for federal assistance to seven counties nearly two weeks ago.
“This federal disaster declaration will help provide assistance for Western North Carolina communities to rebuild stronger and smarter, and I appreciate the president’s approval of our request,” Cooper said in a statement.
The storm claimed the lives of six people in Haywood County, caused major damage to more than 200 homes and created nearly $19 million in estimated damages to public infrastructure. The Cruso community was among those hardest hit by the flooding.
Wednesday’s approval from Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency frees up money to residents of Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties. State, tribal and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations also qualify for federal funds on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work performed in the three areas, as well as Avery, Madison, Watauga and Yancey counties.