North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence will not be forgotten as the federal government simultaneously responds to Florida, which was ravaged by Hurricane Michael, the region’s congressman, the state’s U.S. senators and two Cabinet secretaries said during a visit to the Port City on Monday.
 
“The fact that these ... Cabinet secretaries got on a commercial flight out of Reagan National this morning and landed here today and are here today is the best evidence that we’re not looking to the next storm. They’re here. They’re committed. The funding will be there,” said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
 
Monday’s event at the still-closed Best Buy store on South College Road -- the electronics outlet was damaged during Hurricane Florence -- included Tillis, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta.
 
… Congress has passed a $1.6 billion aid package -- more than $1.1 billion earmarked for North Carolina -- to start disaster relief.
 
“And we know that’s only a down payment,” Tillis said.
 
Navigating federal bureaucracy has proved difficult for numerous residents, Tillis and Rouzer said while speaking to reporters after the event. Tillis said his office has opened “hundreds of cases” involving people having a difficult time applying for aid, particularly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
 
“There is some complexity,” Tillis said. “I’m particularly worried about people who aren’t even aware of some benefits they can get.”
 
Tillis, Burr and Rouzer each said their office can help people who are frustrated with the application process.

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