Western North Carolina is set to receive a financial boost as federal relief funds are poised to reimburse millions spent on emergency repairs in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has announced a significant allocation of $155 million, primarily directed towards North Carolina’s Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Republican U.S. Senator Ted Budd expressed his gratitude to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for the prompt release of these funds, which could be distributed as soon as this week. Since last September, Budd has been actively pushing for federal reimbursements to Western North Carolina, even going as far as blocking Senate votes on DHS nominees until more funds were allocated. Budd stated to McClatchy, “I’m trying to get the attention of those at DHS that are being slow to reimburse North Carolina for funds already spent.”
Upon the announcement of the funds, Budd indicated he would remove his hold on a DHS nominee, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that Western North Carolina continues to receive the necessary federal aid. He affirmed, “I remain very willing to use every lever of power I have as a U.S. Senator to ensure Western North Carolina is made whole and that federal funds are approved and disbursed on a rolling basis into the future.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program has already funneled over $849 million to North Carolina for recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene. However, this only covers a fraction of the estimated $60 billion in damage that the hurricane inflicted on the state, per the state’s recovery office.
Allocation of Relief Funds
A substantial portion of the newly announced funds, over 80%, is designated for NCDOT. The agency will receive $109 million to cover costs incurred from temporary repairs on roads and bridges damaged by the storm. According to FEMA data reviewed by BPR News, this funding will support 30 projects in total.
Additionally, Henderson County and Buncombe County are set to benefit from the relief funds. Henderson County, which owes approximately $30 million to a contractor for debris removal, will receive $14.8 million from this round of funding. County Manager John Mitchell defended the county’s decision to bypass the Army Corps of Engineers for debris management, noting, “Having the counties that are most directly impacted have such a large liability on their books is a weak spot in being able to get through recovery.”
Buncombe County is expected to receive $9.6 million, which will be used for repairs to county parks and other emergency restoration projects. The funds will be channeled through the North Carolina Emergency Management agency, which will then distribute them to the respective counties and cities.
Governor Josh Stein expressed his satisfaction with the funding announcement on social media, stating, “I appreciate North Carolina’s federal delegation for their continued advocacy. Every dollar moves us one step closer to making sure western North Carolina recovers stronger than before – but we still have a long way to go. I will keep pushing for WNC.”
