FR 2021-01719

This document, issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration, presents an amendment to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster in North Carolina. The original disaster declaration pertains to Hurricane Isaias, which struck between July 31 and August 4, 2020. The amendment, dated January 13, 2021, extends the list of affected areas to include Lenoir County as one of the primary regions affected by the disaster for the purpose of public assistance. It is vital to note that this notice does not alter any other aspect of the original declaration.

General Summary

In essence, this amendment updates the original disaster declaration to provide a specific regional focus by including Lenoir County among the areas qualifying for disaster assistance. It establishes deadlines for applications related to disaster loans: December 14, 2020, for Physical Loan Applications, and July 14, 2021, for Economic Injury Loan Applications. This reflects an ongoing effort by federal authorities to offer targeted assistance to areas severely impacted by Hurricane Isaias.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable concerns regarding the clarity and implications of this document:

1. Selection Criteria for Primary Counties: The document expands the list of affected areas to include Lenoir County but does not detail how this decision was made. This omission might prompt questions on the process's fairness and transparency in identifying and prioritizing affected regions for aid distribution.

2. Loan Application Deadlines: The notice specifies particular loan application deadlines, some of which had already passed before the amendment was issued. This might lead to confusion about whether these deadlines are indeed applicable or if they should be extended to accommodate this updated information.

3. Details on Assistance: The document lacks specific information about the nature and extent of the assistance available under the amended declaration. This absence of details could make it challenging for potential beneficiaries to understand the potential help they might receive and assess whether it meets their needs.

Impact on the Public

The broader public, especially individuals and businesses in North Carolina, may find the amendment relevant as it signals additional federal support in response to Hurricane Isaias. The inclusion of Lenoir County may affect disaster relief efforts and resource allocation, directly impacting individuals, businesses, and organizations in that area.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For residents and businesses in Lenoir County, this amendment could facilitate access to vital federal resources, helping them recover more efficiently from the impacts of Hurricane Isaias. However, the lack of clarity regarding application deadlines and assistance specifics may complicate matters for potential applicants, requiring further clarification from the Small Business Administration.

Moreover, stakeholders such as local governments and nonprofit organizations working on disaster relief and recovery might find the inclusion of Lenoir County as a critical development in their operational areas, allowing them to coordinate efforts more effectively with federal resources.

In conclusion, while the amendment extends important support to an additional area in North Carolina, the document leaves some critical questions unanswered, which could affect transparency and the overall efficacy of the assistance program. Further communication and clarification from relevant authorities may be necessary to ensure that affected parties can optimize the support offered through this amendment.