Department of Homeland Security Approves $165.9 Million In Funding For Helene Recovery And Covid-era Grants
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced the approval of over $165.9 million in North Carolina for Public Assistance grants incurring costs from the Covid-19 Pandemic and disaster recovery programs. DHS’s approval of PA funding for North Carolina includes grants for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Henderson County Hospital Corporation, Mecklenburg County, Harnett Health Systems, Wake Forest University, Novant Health, Caromont Health, Duke University Health System, Blue Ridge Hospitals, and Catawba Valley Medical Center. Additionally, just over $3 million in PA was approved for the Town of North Topsail Beach for constructing an emergency berm for protective measures.
Since Democrats irresponsibly shut down DHS, I have been working with President Trump, his administration, and colleagues in Congress like Rep. Chuck Edwards toward a solution that will allow Helene aid to flow despite the current shutdown posture. I am proud to announce that these efforts, in conjunction with Secretary Noem, have resulted in tens of millions of additional PA grant funding being approved for Western North Carolina. This solution will not last forever, as FEMA’s reserves will run dry without reopening DHS. Democrats in Congress have made it clear they will accept no limited funding proposals for DHS’s subagencies, but I will continue to urge my colleagues to come to the table and negotiate so that FEMA’s important work is not impacted by a prolonged partisan political fight,” said Senator Budd.
Here are some of the projects funded by this most recent announcement:
Town of Biltmore Forest will receive $2.5 million for debris removal operations.
Ashe County will receive $3.3 million for debris removal operations
Madison County will receive $1.9 million for debris removal operations.
Blue Ridge Electric Membership will receive $6.9 million for emergency protective measures.
Burke County will receive $7.5 million for debris removal.
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County will receive $1.5 million for permanent repairs.
N.C. Department of Cultural Resources will receive $4.4 million to support repairs in state parks.