FEMA approves nearly $197 million for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Communities across North Carolina will receive nearly $197 million in additional federal funding to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and future disaster mitigation projects, according to an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The funding, approved this week, will help pay for more than 30 recovery and mitigation projects aimed at restoring infrastructure, removing debris, repairing roads and bridges, and strengthening communities against future disasters.

“This additional $197 million reflects our ongoing partnership with state and local leaders to restore critical infrastructure, support families, and invest in mitigation projects that will help protect North Carolinians from future storms,” FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Rob Ashe said in a statement. “Our FEMA team in North Carolina continues to fulfill President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s promise to deliver effective federal assistance to the state.”

The largest portion of the funding, (more than $162 million), will go to North Carolina Emergency Management to help cover debris removal and recovery management costs following Hurricane Helene.

Other major recovery projects include:

• $7.2 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs.
• $2.7 million to the City of Morganton for boardwalk repairs.
• $1.5 million to the City of Asheville for road and bridge repairs.
• More than $871,000 to the Town of Spruce Pine to repair the Beaver Creek lift station along with sewer and raw water lines.
• Nearly $589,000 to the Town of Beech Mountain for recovery management costs.
• More than $366,000 to Christmount Christian Assembly for road and bridge repairs.

FEMA said Hurricane Helene recovery projects in North Carolina continue to receive an enhanced federal reimbursement rate, with the agency covering no less than 90 percent of eligible Public Assistance costs.

In addition to recovery funding, FEMA also approved more than $18.3 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help reduce future disaster risks.

Those projects include nearly $17.8 million for North Carolina Emergency Management, $241,000 to acquire and demolish flood-prone properties in Smithfield, and $290,000 to acquire properties in Raleigh. FEMA will fund those mitigation projects at no less than a 75 percent federal cost share.

Federal officials said the latest funding is part of FEMA’s ongoing effort to help North Carolina communities recover from Hurricane Helene while investing in projects designed to improve long-term resilience against future natural disasters.