NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 1999

CARY "ADOPTS" PRINCEVILLE,
PLEDGES FLOYD RECOVERY SUPPORT

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary has pledged to help Floyd-ravaged Princeville come back after the storm. Acting on a motion made by Council member Jess Ward, the Cary Town Council voted unanimously Thursday evening to adopt the hard-hit eastern North Carolina town and work with FEMA, State emergency management officials, and the North Carolina League of Municipalities to target aid in Princeville’s direction.

"Here in Cary we are blessed with an abundance of resources," said Council member Jess Ward. "We have the means, and I believe we have a special calling to go above and beyond to help our fellow local governments in this time of crisis."

Although the details of Princeville’s "adoption" are not yet finalized, Cary officials have some idea what will be needed and what they can provide. Town staff will work with Princeville officials to develop an inventory of resources that the community will need to restore the operation of the town’s government. Town staff will draft a report to the Cary Council recommending in-kind support and options for direct financial assistance.

Support to the local government may include but not limited to help with FEMA reporting, water, sewer, and other infrastructure planning, and public safety support.

"We’re working now to contact Princeville officials and find out who we can best serve," said Cary Town Manager Bill Coleman. "Bringing a community back is a long, difficult process. It’s important for them to know that, like any family, we’re with them for the long haul."

###