Gov. Cooper discusses need for recovery during Columbus County visit

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Governor Roy Cooper spent time in Columbus County to hear about the damage Florence left behind and to discuss recovery efforts. He says it’s more important, now more than ever, to work together to recover from this storm and says more steps need to be taken.

“The general assembly as well as our congressional delegation all got to pull together and do what’s necessary to make sure that we recover from the storm,” Cooper said.

Cooper went to the area to learn what else can be done to help .

“We’ve done some good work up front. It’s a good first step .We’ve got a lot more to do.”
He started his day off at the Columbus County Disaster Recovery Center, and spoke with some people looking for help.

He then toured Lake Waccamaw and visited Dale’s Seafood to see the damage there. He says small businesses, like Dale’s Seafood, need to get as much support as possible.

“When you look at our small businesses, it’s the backbone of our economy and for every small business, it can create three to thirty jobs and we need to do more to help our small businesses get back on their feet,” Cooper said.

Governor Cooper also says the rainy day fund is also helping with hurricane recovery substantially. He says about $400,000,000 has been set aside to provide help but he still thinks more is needed.

The Governor also believes that even though the lottery will help with funding schools and getting kids back in the classroom. He’s hoping a government bond will be passed to help in the future.

“These local, particularly the smaller counties and rural counties are going to need help in building schools and maintain the ones that they have. So we’re going to work to see that they get more funding,” Cooper said.