Today, in response to a request from Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that a commercial fishery failure occurred in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Florence, which caused severe damage throughout the state in September of 2018.

“The Trump Administration and Department of Commerce stand ready to support all Americans who were struck by devastating hurricanes and other natural disasters in the past year,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “As communities rebound and rebuild throughout the country, we will continue to work closely with our partners in Congress, as well as state and local officials across North Carolina, to aid in the recovery effort.”

This determination provides the basis for Congress to appropriate fishery disaster assistance. In 2018, Secretary Ross has declared fishery disasters in the Southeast, Texas, and Caribbean following multiple hurricanes, and in states along the West Coast.

In order to further assist the recovery of North Carolina and other regions harmed by disasters, affected communities can call upon programs within the Department of Commerce, such as the Economic Development Administration which spearheads the Federal government’s efforts to deliver economic assistance and support long-term growth after natural disasters.