Recovery Progress Continues Nearly Two Years After Helene

WASHINGTON -- Nearly two years after Tropical Storm Helene devastated portions of North Carolina, FEMA has committed more than $7.5 billion in funding for Helene and other recent disaster recovery to put action behind President Trump's and Secretary Mullin's commitment to help affected North Carolina communities rebuild and reduce future disaster risk.

Recently, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton viewed the North Carolina recovery in person, talked with local leaders and ensured the more than 3,000 Helene recovery projects remain on track for timely completion.

"My wife is from North Carolina, and two of my babies were born here, so this state is special to me," Administrator Hamilton said. "I see the progress made across the area since my last visit, and I know the extraordinary effort it's taken to get this far in the recovery. However, we're not out of the woods yet, there is still a lot of work to do. The President was right when he said that Western North Carolina will never be forgotten. The work continues."

In the last month, FEMA announced more than $162 million for recovery projects in North Carolina, bringing the total to more than $7.5 billion in FEMA funding for Helene and other recent disaster recovery efforts.

FEMA is also awarding nearly $48 million to the state through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to acquire approximately 135 flood-prone properties damaged by Helene in several hard-hit communities. 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.

ASHEVILLE, NC - Brandon Wilson, the chief executive officer of the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry prays with FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton during a tour of the organization's future Veterans Restoration Quarters. The previous facility was flooded during Helene two years ago. Veterans Restoration Quarters provides transitional sheltering, support and educational resources to veterans. FEMA is helping fund the $32 million project. (Photo by Madeleine Cook/FEMA) BAT CAVE, NC - While meeting with local responders at the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton signs his name below North Carolina's official motto, Esse Quam Videri, or "To be rather than to seem." Two years ago, Helene caused record flooding, washing away the highways and cutting off the community. (Photo by Madeleine Cook/FEMA) LAKE LURE, NC - Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett, center, guides FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton along the city's marina and park location that was destroyed two years ago during Helene. Federal contractors cleared more than 1.2 million cubic yards of debris from the lake to help the marina reopen for Memorial Day weekend this year. (Photo by Madeleine Cook/FEMA)

By the Numbers

FEMA's total recovery funding includes more than $2.5 billion for approximately 3,000 Helene recovery projects to reimburse services for debris removal, rebuilding critical infrastructure and other storm-related expenses.

• Approximately $254 million under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is helping fund recovery work that will reduce future disaster losses in North Carolina.
• More than $567.9 million was awarded to roughly 161,000 families to help with home repairs, rent and other critical needs. This includes more than $34.2 million to 12,600 families to help repair private roads and bridges.
• FEMA's direct housing ended in April after providing housing options to 243 families. Of those, 72 families purchased their FEMA unit for a long-term housing solution. Families have also received $219.5 million in National Flood Insurance Program claims.  
• State, local and federal partners cleared more than 16.5 million cubic yards of debris from rights of way, waterways and private property. FEMA obligated $2.5 billion to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal assistance across the state. The Corps completed its mission in November 2025. 

Other federal agency partners are aiding North Carolina's recovery from Helene with billions in support.

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $1.4 billion to North Carolina and $225 million to the city of Asheville for long-term recovery.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency committed more than $700 million for water infrastructure resiliency.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has contributed more than $1 billion for agricultural economic losses, farmland repairs and watershed restoration in national forests, among other infrastructure improvements.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has disbursed nearly $300 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.
• The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $34 million in federal grants to support economic recovery and resilience projects in Western North Carolina.