Gov. Cooper, FEMA Director push for rebuilding smarter following storm

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — There was $13.1 billion in hurricane damage across 41 counties and recovery isn’t over yet says Governor Cooper at the the bi-annual North Carolina Emergency Management Assistance conference. He was joined by FEMA administrator Brock Long.

After two major storms in less than 2 years, Governor Roy Cooper says we need to rebuild smarter and more funding is needed to support our farmers, who are the biggest economic driver for our state and schools.

“There needs to be significant funding for our school construction,” said Cooper. “I hope when we come back next year that we can pass on the $2 billion public school construction bond that I proposed last year.”

So far more than $80 millions in grants have been allocated to New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties, since Hurricane Florence.

Brunswick County Commissioner Randy Thompson says FEMA needs to be re-evaluated.

“Our elected officials at our national level need to take a real close look at how this has impacted us and adjust, and make the recommended changes to the guidance that FEMA has to follow to better assist us here locally,” Brunswick Co. Commissioner Vice Chair Randy Thompson.

Long says FEMA follows a lot of regulations.

“We walk a fine line between the office of inspector general and protecting the public purse and also rushing and expediting to get assistance into the hands of citizens,” said Long.

Long says that far too many people are under-insured or not insured. He is looking to find ways to reduce the complexity of FEMA.

Cooper says he hopes these issues will be addressed in the next session scheduled for November 27.