FEMA settlement unlocks millions for Leland infrastructure and local homeowner finally paid

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — We shared the story of Tom Meyer in early November. 

Meyer’s Stoney Creek Plantation home was deemed inhabitable after being drenched in 7 feet of water during Hurricane Florence in 2018. 

He fixed it up, just for it to flood again last year after Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight. 

He was living with bare walls, studs, and insulation; his prized belongings locked up in a storage unit in his front yard.  

Meyer’s was scheduled for FEMA money. 

Two of his neighbors got that money, and their homes were demoed, while his payments were tied in red tape. 

“Where is my money? How is it that they’ve only been here for a few years, which I’m glad they got out of here. I am trapped right here,” said Meyer. 

Friday, Meyer’s told WWAY he has received his money to buy him out. 

He told us that he is in the process of moving into his new home and packing up the rest of his belongings. 

This word comes a day after Attorney General Jeff Jackson won a $200 million lawsuit against FEMA to restore funding for designated infrastructure and mediation projects for natural disasters. 

And one of them is to relocate the sewer pump station off Sturgeon Creek, which often floods after storms and natural disasters.  

 The cost of the project, $1.3 million. 

By moving the station, it increases the reliability of the North Brunswick area’s sewer system by preventing sewer overflows that can become health and environmental hazards. 

We asked the town of Leland to comment on the money allotment, and they told WWAY they will wait to comment until they have received confirmation from the funding agency directly.