RALEIGH — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the release of another $255.8 million to support 85 recovery projects across North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, according to an April 23 agency press release.
The latest round of Public Assistance Grant funding will reimburse state agencies, local governments and eligible nonprofits for costs tied to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repairs to roads, bridges and public buildings damaged by the hurricane.
The infusion of cash follows a visit to western North Carolina by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in early April.
“I’ve seen firsthand the determination and hard work of those in North Carolina who are still working to rebuild and recover after Helene,” Mullin said. “This additional funding is another step in our commitment to make sure communities have the support they need to clear debris, rebuild critical infrastructure and move forward. DHS and FEMA will continue to stand with North Carolina through every stage of their recovery.”
Notable allocations in the new package include:
U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) separately highlighted more than $238 million in approved Public Assistance grants for western North Carolina communities, praising Mullin’s leadership in accelerating the process.
“Secretary Mullin is delivering on the promises he made to the people of Western North Carolina,” said Budd. “I’m grateful that he and his team have worked with me and my Congressional colleagues to direct needed relief to WNC that ensures funds move through the FEMA review process without unnecessary bureaucratic delay.
“Our efforts will continue as new projects are completed every single week. My focus remains on ensuring the federal government continues to do its part and make sure funding reaches our Appalachian communities as quickly as possible, and Secretary Mullin has been an excellent partner in delivering results.”
Budd’s press release lists dozens of individual project worksheets covering bridge repairs, road reconstruction and waterway debris removal in Buncombe, Mitchell, Yancey, Ashe and Transylvania counties, among others.
With this latest funding, FEMA’s total assistance to North Carolina following Helene now exceeds $5 billion. That includes more than $1.87 billion approved for nearly 2,400 public assistance projects addressing debris, infrastructure and other public property damage. Separately, the agency has delivered more than $565.6 million in individual assistance to roughly 161,000 families for home repairs, rental support and other needs.
On the housing side, FEMA’s temporary housing program for Helene survivors is winding down. Nearly all 234 households that had been in FEMA-provided units have transitioned to long-term solutions. Seventy-two families purchased their FEMA units — some with help from voluntary agencies — and only two families remain in temporary FEMA housing.
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