FEMA in town to tally flooding cost

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The rain has stopped, and as the flooding recedes, now it’s time to put a price tag on the damage.

FEMA representatives are here in the Cape Fear. Today, they went to area beaches to get a firsthand look. If FEMA estimates at least $10.5 million in damages, the governor may then request a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

New Hanover County Emergency Management says it’s a slow process, but they’re trying to move things along quickly and efficiently.

“We’re on a speeded up timeline with this,” county Emergency Management Director Warren Lee said. “The governor has asked that this be complete by Thursday afternoon so it can be back in her hands so she can get an idea of how much damage we have so she can proceed with asking the President for assistance with this declaration.”

Already the damage estimate for New Hanover County stands at more than $500,000.