Hurricane Helene base camps cost North Carolina more than $111 million, state auditor says

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Helene included 55 base camps across western North Carolina that cost more than $111 million over seven months, according to a new report from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor.

The State Auditor’s Office released the Rapid Response Special Report Tuesday, detailing the costs and operations of the temporary base camps established following the devastating 2024 hurricane.

North Carolina Emergency Management partnered with Texas-based disaster-response contractor SLSCO LTD. to operate the camps, which provided services including shelter, food, showers and other support for disaster-relief workers and the public.

The camps also supported first responders, distribution sites, hygiene services and election facilities.

Base camps averaged more than $500,000 per day

According to the audit, NCEM’s total expenses for the 55 base camps reached $111,067,464.25, an average of approximately $516,593 per day over the seven-month period.

The largest single location was in Swannanoa, where expenses totaled approximately $27 million.

Other expenses included meals, showers, beds, laundry, medical support, restrooms, labor and the mobilization and demobilization of the camps.

The report found that a single bed cost approximately $800, while individual meals averaged $41.67.

General staff were billed at $85 per hour, while site coordinators cost $12,100 per week. A POD manager was billed at $145.50 per hour.

Emergency procurement rules allowed NCEM to suspend competitive bidding following the disaster. However, the agency said it used competitive practices whenever possible.

The rates charged by SLS were based on existing contracts between the company and NCEM that were executed in 2023. According to the audit, service costs were based on the anticipated number of people at each location rather than actual usage.

“These base camps were an essential service in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said. “Now that we are in the long-term rebuilding phase of recovery, and knowing that future emergencies will strike, it is essential that we, as a state, have discussions on associated costs.”

Boliek said the $111 million total demonstrates the need to examine how the camps were used and whether the expense provided an adequate return.

Auditor recommends better tracking of disaster costs

The State Auditor’s Office recommends that NCEM systematically track usage rates and per-use costs for services such as showers, restrooms, laundry and meals.

The office said improved tracking could help North Carolina negotiate better prices in future emergency contracts and make more efficient use of state resources during disasters.

While the base camps were established in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, the findings could have implications for disaster planning statewide, including future hurricane responses in Eastern North Carolina.

The report comes as North Carolina continues to evaluate its response to Hurricane Helene and prepare for future emergencies.