HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo delivered a check for $35.7 million fordisaster recovery Tuesday. Federal Emergency funds from FEMA helped withthe initial recovery last fall. This Housing and Urban Development grantis intended to help bring about long term recovery, such as making homesmore flood proof, or even relocating some homes located in high riskareas.
North Carolina received the second highest disaster funds grant.Victims of the Red River floods in the Midwest received the most money.
No one is saying the new Federal money won't undo the damage done byFran, but it may help save some people and property next time.
For storm victims this new money may be a life, or house, saver.
Onelia Foxwell remembers well what it was like in the RochesterHeights neighborhood the morning after Hurricane Fran hit. A tributary ofWalnut Creek runs behind, and sometimes through, her house. She says theywere rescued by people in canoes.
Foxwell says the creek needs to be dug out and Raleigh's city councilhas heard that plea from many Rochester Heights residents. Now councilhas money that could finally address the problem.
Raleigh's portion of the big check is $3 million. Cuomo has asuggestion for some of that money.
Foxwell was overjoyed when she found out she would be getting some ofthat relocation money.
Given the choice of making her home flood proof or relocating, Foxwellsaid she'd opt for relocation after all she's been through.
City and county leaders must now make decisions about where and how tospend the federal grant money.
Reporter/Photographer:RickArmstrong
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