Over the better part of three months, Scotland County has been approved for more than $5.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance following the devastation of Hurricane Florence.

According to Pam Saulsby, media relation specialist for FEMA, that money breaks down as follows:

— Nearly $1.9 million in state and federal grants have gone to 703 homeowners and renters.

— As of this past Monday, 16 flood insurance claims have been filed and an estimated $421,000 in claims have been paid to date.

— More than $3.2 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 132 homeowners and businesses.

She added that, as of Tuesday, a total of 2,036 home inspections have been issued and about 99 percent of those inspections have been completed.

In addition, Scotland County was approved for assistance to local governments for debris removal and emergency protective measures Sept. 24 and permanent work Oct. 12. She also said that, as of Monday, 14 requests for public assistance had been received and 11 were approved.

Hurricane Florence arrived in North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 14 — making landfall in the Wilmington area with a direct hit — and made its way northwest to Scotland County on Saturday, Sept. 15. The storm swamped the county, washing out and closing numerous roads, including portions of Interstate 74; forcing residents to abandon their homes and take refuge in local shelters, closing schools for several days; and knocking out power throughout the area.

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is Thursday, Dec. 13.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or [email protected].

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W. Curt Vincent

Editor