FEMA Announces Additional $137 Million for North Carolina Recovery

Federal assistance now tops $7.5 billion for Recovery and Mitigation Projects Across the State

FEMA announced an additional $137 million for 114 recovery and mitigation projects, bringing the total support to more than $7.5 billion for Helene and other recent disasters.

"By empowering FEMA to reimburse state and local governments for public assistance projects quickly, President Trump and Secretary Mullin are delivering on their promise to rebuild Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene," said Senator Budd (R-N.C.). "I am grateful to Administrator Hamilton for his efforts to ensure this funding can restore our communities and tourism industry throughout Western North Carolina, and that individuals will soon be able to access additional funds under the Hazard Mitigation Grant program to help rebuild and relocate their damaged properties."

"This additional funding supports community efforts to restore critical infrastructure and invest in mitigation projects that will protect North Carolinians from future storms," said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. "FEMA's continued commitment, in partnership with Senator Budd, is to move recovery forward at the pace North Carolina needs."

The recent round of approved funding is provided through FEMA's Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs.

The funding includes $102 million for 104 Public Assistance projects to reimburse communities for the costs of debris removal, critical infrastructure repair and emergency protective measures. Notable projects include:

• $23.4 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for repairing roads, bridges and buildings damaged by Helene, and another $5.7 million for debris removal and to repair roads damaged by Tropical Depression Chantal.
• $16.8 million to the Hendersonville Affordable Housing Corporation for repairs to Lincoln Circle and Robinson Terrace housing units.
• $3.9 million to Mountain Electric Cooperative to repair reconducting lines.
• $10 million to North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal efforts.
• $3.3 million to Asheville Christian Academy to repair facilities and school building contents.
• $3.2 million to Avery County for management costs.
• $3.1 million to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to repair the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery.

FEMA is also awarding more than $34 million to the state of North Carolina through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to acquire nearly 80 flood-prone properties damaged by Helene in Buncombe, Mecklenburg, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties, as well as the towns of Belhaven and Bolton. The properties will be converted into permanent open space to prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster damage. In total, FEMA has provided funding for the state to acquire more than 500 properties.

FEMA remains committed to supporting North Carolina's recovery and resilience, working closely with state and local partners to help communities rebuild stronger for the future.