FEMA buyout program targets 75 homes in western North Carolina

 (WWAY) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $26 million to buy out 75 flood-damaged homes in North Carolina as part of ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

The funding, provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, will be used to purchase properties in Henderson, Polk and Yancey counties. Officials say the program will help homeowners whose properties were severely damaged by flooding and landslides.

The buyouts are designed to relieve financial pressure on families who may still be paying mortgages and property taxes on homes that are no longer livable. The program also aims to reduce future disaster risk by removing homes from flood-prone areas.

According to FEMA, 53 homes in Yancey County communities, including Burnsville and Green Mountain, will be included in the program. Another 18 homes in Henderson County and four homes in Polk County are also part of the buyouts.

FEMA officials say additional buyout funding could be announced in the coming weeks as the agency works through a backlog of applications.

Some projects were previously delayed due to eligibility issues tied to nearby road construction. FEMA says it is now working with North Carolina Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to resolve those challenges and move projects forward.

The federal government will cover 75% of the cost for these mitigation efforts, which can include buying and demolishing high-risk homes, improving drainage systems and restoring natural floodplains.

The announcement follows a separate effort in March, when FEMA obligated $66 million for hazard mitigation projects across the state, including more than $47 million for 150 property buyouts.