In a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on storm recovery efforts following recent damage assessments in Leland. The town has completed evaluations on 22 homes, identifying 15 with major damage and four with minor damage. Brunswick County is finalizing its assessments, which will be forwarded to North Carolina Emergency Management for further evaluation. This information will then be sent to FEMA to determine eligibility for federal disaster assistance.

Officials expressed optimism about receiving a federal declaration within the next week, which would unlock various forms of federal assistance, including Small Business Administration recovery loans. However, they cautioned that the timeline for FEMA's decision-making process can vary.

In a proactive measure to aid recovery, the town council approved a waiver of permit fees for repairs related to storm damage. This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens on homeowners as they begin the rebuilding process.

Additionally, discussions highlighted the importance of compliance with current flood damage prevention regulations. Homes that meet the substantial damage threshold will be required to adhere to today's building standards, which may affect many properties built before the town's incorporation. A public meeting held recently attracted around 50 attendees, providing residents with crucial information about the recovery process and what to expect moving forward.