The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced an additional $116 million in federal disaster funding for North Carolina’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Homeland Security officials said Jan. 14 the funds will help communities rebuild infrastructure damaged by the storm on Sept. 24, 2024, and support projects designed to reduce future flood and storm risk.
Of the total, approximately $72 million is being allocated through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to support debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, including water and sewer systems. State and local governments are expected to use the funding to continue recovery work already underway.
The remaining $44.6 million will support long-term hazard mitigation projects focused on reducing the impact of future storms. FEMA said more than $23 million of that amount will be used to purchase flood-prone properties in Buncombe, Henderson and Beaufort counties. The acquired land will be returned to open space and deed restricted to prevent future flood damage.
According to agency officials, the mitigation projects are advancing through the final congressional notification process and will be formally confirmed as award actions are completed. The latest allocation adds to the more than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance already provided for Helene recovery, including more than $549 million in grants to help residents and businesses rebuild. FEMA said recovery efforts remain ongoing in several regions, particularly in western North Carolina.
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