North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Gov. Josh Stein has declared Tropical Storm Chantal a Type I State Disaster, activating state-funded individual assistance for residents in eight central North Carolina counties. The declaration enables eligible survivors to apply for aid covering temporary housing, personal property loss, medical expenses, and other storm-related costs.
The storm, which struck the region on July 6, brought up to 12 inches of rain, causing record water levels along the Haw River, Eno River, and Jordan Lake. Damage assessments show more than $42 million in public infrastructure losses—more than double the threshold needed for federal disaster assistance.
“This disaster declaration unlocks access for people to apply for state-funded individual assistance as they continue to rebuild,” said Governor Stein. “Chantal was devastating for central North Carolina, and initial damage assessments have made clear that a Federal Major Disaster Declaration is needed to help expedite federal aid for repairing roads and rebuilding critical infrastructure.”
Governor Stein has formally requested a Federal Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump and Acting FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Ashe. Approval would bring federal public assistance for local governments and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding statewide.
The Type I State Disaster Declaration covers the following counties:
- Orange
- Durham
- Alamance
- Caswell
- Chatham
- Granville
- Person
- Wake
Residents seeking state individual assistance must apply in person at a disaster recovery center in one of the affected counties. Center locations and hours:
- Orange County: 203 South Greensboro St., Carrboro
M–F: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Alamance County: 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd., Burlington
M–F: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Durham County: 221 Milton Rd., Durham
M–F: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Survivors can also call the North Carolina Emergency Management individual assistance hotline at 919-825-2378 or visit ncdps.gov/chantal for more information.
Tropical Storm Chantal caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, particularly in Durham and Orange counties. Six storm-related deaths have been confirmed. Local states of emergency were declared, and first responders conducted water rescues and opened emergency shelters, which have since closed as displaced residents transitioned to hotels during recovery efforts.