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North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he will appeal the federal government’s decision refusing aid for eight coastal North Carolina counties for damage caused by heavy rains and flooding in late September and early October.

McCrory said Tuesday the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied his request for a disaster declaration for Brunswick, Carteret, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender counties.

According to McCrory’s office, the letter late last week from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said damage could be handled by state and local governments. But a McCrory news release says survey teams estimated damages, debris removal and emergency protective measures totaling $31 million – above the required federal threshold.

A federal agricultural disaster was declared last month to help farmers in 19 counties get emergency loans to deal with losses.

Topics North Carolina FEMA