Bladen County received nearly $1 million in Hurricane Matthew relief funds, helping to rehab or demolish properties damaged and flooded after the storm. | Wikimedia Commons
Bladen County received nearly $1 million in Hurricane Matthew relief funds, helping to rehab or demolish properties damaged and flooded after the storm. | Wikimedia Commons
Bladen County’s hurricane relief projects rehabilitated houses and will replace, elevate or demolish other structures damaged in the county.
Nathan Dowless, the director of Emergency Services, told the Board of Commissioners at the Oct. 5 meeting that $953,000 was received for Hurricane Matthew assistance, BladenOnline.com reported on Oc.t 6. Out of those funds, $95,700 supported rehabilitating six houses, including the $13,000 it cost for rent for the displaced homeowners. Another $1.1 million for 45 county applications needs approval by the State Emergency Management Agency.
By using a Hazmat grant, three properties are being purchased, Dowless said, Bladenonline.com reported. Bids for demolition are out for two other properties.
Emergency generators will be purchased with $315,650 the county received, BladenOnline reported. They will be installed at the county’s high schools, both of which serve as emergency shelters. Dowless plans to seek another $500,000 to expand the generator’s power grid at each school.
Alerts Sign-up