Federal aid approved for US communities a month after slammed by Dorian

President Donald Trump declared a major disaster on Oct. 4 for the State of North Carolina, nearly a month after Hurricane Dorian slammed against the state's coastline.

After touring the damage of Ocracoke, North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper requested on Sept. 13 that Trump make the declaration. On Sept 21, Cooper followed the letter up with a request for federal individual assistance.

Earlier last week, Ocracoke Island resident Kelley Shinn wrote an Op-Ed for The New York Times, which described how the community was trying to piece itself back together after the hurricane made landfall. The island had been isolated from the mainland after Dorian had destroyed parts of Highway 12 and the rising water levels inundated the community.

Representatives from the office of North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) had assured her on Sept. 13 that "the senator urged the president to sign (the request) that day," Shinn wrote.

Good Samaritans prepared and brought food across the sound to Ocracoke Island to feed the emergency personnel working on the ground. (Facebook/Hyde County Sheriff's Office)

One week passed after the request had been made.

Within that week, the post office was reopened, but several other establishments remained closed, such as the library and bank, according to Shinn.

Two weeks passed after the request had been made.

Within this second week, newly sworn-in U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, a Republican from North Carolina, and North Carolina Republican Sen. Bob Steinburg mistakenly announced that the president had signed the request to declare a major disaster declaration, according to Shinn.

These claims were made on the same day Cooper sent the second request to Trump, asking for him to designate individual assistance for four counties, including Hyde County where Ocracoke is located.

Cooper visited the island to clarify in person that the papers had not yet been signed and to listen to the stories of islanders' experiences with Dorian.

The island's only school announced its reopening within the second week. The island continued to receive aid from good Samaritans bringing supplies to the island via boats.

Three weeks to the day, on Oct. 4, Trump posted a tweet.

"At the request of @SenThomTillis, I have declared a major disaster for the Great State of North Carolina to help with damages from Hurricane Dorian. Assistance now unlocked to recover stronger than ever! Thom loves N.C,. [sic] and so do I!" Trump tweeted Friday evening, mentioning Tillis.

This declaration of a major disaster in North Carolina will open federal aid assistance programs for public infrastructure and funds for emergency and permanent work and individuals, according to FEMA.