FEMA approves additional $25 million for North Carolina Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Chantal recovery

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved an additional $25 million to support recovery and mitigation projects across North Carolina following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantal.

According to FEMA, the funding will support 35 projects through the agency’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

Of the total, $23 million will fund 33 Public Assistance projects to reimburse state and local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, utilities and other public infrastructure.

Some of the largest awards include:

• $3.9 million to North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal.
• $3.3 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures and road repairs.
• $3 million to the City of Asheville for emergency protective measures and repairs to utilities and public buildings.
• $2.5 million to the Town of Chimney Rock for utility repairs.
• $1.9 million to the Marshall Community Fire Department for repairs to public buildings.

FEMA also approved $2.3 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to acquire 10 flood-prone properties damaged by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe and Madison counties. The properties will be converted to permanent open space to help reduce the risk of future flood damage.

FEMA said it continues to work with state and local partners to support North Carolina’s long-term recovery and strengthen communities against future disasters.