FEMA Approves an Additional $59 Million for More Than 150 Property Buyouts in North Carolina, Opening New Path Forward for Recovering Families

Under Secretary Mullin's Leadership, as Promised, FEMA is Clearing the Backlog of Funding Requests and Delivering Relief to Survivors

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA continues its renewed commitment to those affected by Hurricane Helene, awarding more than $59 million to eliminate flood risks for severely damaged properties in North Carolina.

The state will use this funding, administered through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, to buy more than 150 damaged properties in Buncombe, Haywood, Mitchell and Madison counties, bringing needed relief to the homeowners. These awards deliver on a promise made by Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin last month during his visit to Western North Carolina.

"This funding is a lifeline for families impacted by Hurricane Helene," said FEMA Associate Administrator of the Office of External Affairs Victoria Barton. "With $59 million in new support, FEMA is helping North Carolina acquire more than 150 properties, giving families the opportunity to rebuild and move forward. This investment delivers on Secretary Mullin's promise to provide real support-not just words-and strengthens communities for the future by reducing the risk and cost of future disasters. We are committed to delivering real assistance and working alongside our partners in Western North Carolina until every project is complete."

Funding announced today will cover property acquisitions in the following North Carolina communities:

• 142 damaged properties in Buncombe County for $51.7 million.
• 11 damaged properties in Haywood County for $2.4 million.
• Nine damaged properties in Mitchell County for $2.4 million.
• Three damaged properties in Madison County and in the town of Carrboro totaling $1.38 million.

Property buyouts are critical for individuals who survived the storm, but whose homes were repeatedly damaged by floods or landslides. After a disaster, homeowners are often still required to pay mortgages, property taxes and other expenses on their homes even if they are unlivable. By buying the properties from the homeowners, state and local officials lessen the financial burden on these survivors and ensure that the community is more resilient to future flood damage.

These acquired properties are demolished and deed-restricted, and the land will be returned to green space which maintains natural floodplain functions. This also reduces or eliminates future disaster losses to properties. FEMA coordinates directly with the state on all hazard mitigation projects. This aligns with FEMA's principles of ensuring that disaster recovery and mitigation is state-led and federally supported.