WILSON — A family of 21 in Wilson County is finally moving into their new home after more than a year in their flood-damaged house.

Jeffrey and Myrtle Watson were never able to expand their 900-square-foot home because of Hurricane Floyd. Private donations were added to state and local buyout money to buy a new home nearly three times larger.

The parents and their children say they are looking forward to a little elbow room.

"It's bigger, and it's better," says daughter Kelly Watson. "It looks better for one thing, and it's nice. I thank everybody that helped us."

State redevelopment workers say the move should encourage contractors to build in the eastern part of the state.