In a significant development for North Carolina’s recovery efforts, Governor Josh Stein has confirmed the allocation of substantial FEMA funds for road repairs and recovery following Hurricane Helene. This announcement follows a lengthy wait for federal approval.
During a visit to Henderson County, Stein appealed for additional federal assistance, emphasizing the ongoing need for support in the region post-storm.
The release of funds was made possible after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approved the requests, in line with a new policy requiring her sign-off on requests exceeding $100,000.
“Releasing these funds would make strides toward providing financial certainty to communities that will continue to need significant support to rebuild,” Stein expressed in a letter addressed to Noem dated August 15, echoing a similar plea made in July.
Managed under the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA’s recent approval includes $83 million in public assistance grants, yet this figure falls short of North Carolina’s request by over $100 million.
The funds are earmarked for various projects, including Department of Transportation initiatives across Western North Carolina, debris clearance in Haywood County, and numerous other recovery efforts.
Additionally, $94 million in hazard mitigation grants remain pending. These grants are critical for local governments aiming to acquire or elevate homes at high risk of flooding.
“Further delay leaves families in limbo as we stare down the barrel of another hurricane season. The applications awaiting approval represent hundreds of western North Carolina families still needing resolution for their homes nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated the region,” Stein pointed out.
North Carolina’s request for federal aid amounts to approximately half of the estimated $60 billion in storm damages, but only about 8% has been disbursed so far.
According to Matt Calabria, director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, states typically receive 45-48% of total damages for storms of Helene’s magnitude.
“The federal government has not stepped up, and they must step up more,” Stein urged. “It is now time for Congress to put its attention to disaster relief and helping the people of Western North Carolina.”
