Trump Administration Announces Additional $116 Million For North Carolina
This week, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that more than $116 million in federal funding was awarded to North Carolina to help with recovery from Hurricane Helene. Of the approved funds $72 million will support rebuilding or restoring critical infrastructure, clearing debris on public roads, and repairing roads and bridges damaged by Helene. The additional $44.6 million supports hazard mitigation investments that are moving forward to protect communities from future flooding and severe weather.
“This investment will repair and restore critical public infrastructure across North Carolina, including schools, public safety facilities, utilities, and community services,” said Secretary Noem. “North Carolina communities are rebuilding stronger, and today’s approvals show this Administration’s commitment to cutting red tape and getting recovery dollars out the door faster. I want to thank Senator Ted Budd, Congressman Chuck Edwards, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Congressman Tim Moore, Congressman David Rouzer, and Chairman Michael Whatley for their strong advocacy on behalf of North Carolinians.”
This announcement adds to the more than $1 billion in federal funding to North Carolina to support Helene recovery efforts. FEMA has also paid more than $549 million in grants to survivors to directly help families recover.
Here are some of the notable FEMA Public Assistance grants obligated to the state and communities:
$34.7 million to North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs across more than 300 sites in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, Surry, and Watauga counties.
$17.6 million to Rutherford County for the removal of nearly 700,000 cubic yards of debris and 75,000 trees and limbs from public rights of way, and the operation of four debris reduction sites.
$10.5 million to Asheville for potable water distribution, the repair or replacement of more than 100 fleet vehicles, DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant repairs, and road repairs.
$3.7 million to Beech Mountain for repairs to the town’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program investments moving forward include projects to:
Acquire flood-prone properties in Buncombe County (approximately $14.2 million).
Acquire flood-prone properties in Henderson County (approximately $9.2 million).
Elevate 14 homes in Beaufort County (approximately $2.5 million).
These mitigation projects are advancing through the final Congressional notification process and will be formally announced as final award actions are completed.
North Carolina leaders praise the Trump administrations action on this issue.
Senator Budd said, “Ever since Hurricane Helene devastated the lives of mor than half a million North Carolinians, I have been working non-stop to obtain approval for federal relief necessary to rebuild Western North Carolina.
Congressman Tim Moore said, “HUGE NEWS FOR WNC: After my Whtie House meeting, FEMA gave mor than $116 million in funding for Helene recovery, including $17.6 million for Rutherford County!”
Congressman Chuck Edwards said, “We still have a long road ahead, but today’s release of FEMA funds marks another major step forward after the storm caused widespread damage to the infrastructure our communities rely on every day.”
Congressman Pat Harrigan said, “More than $116 million headed to North Carolina to help communities continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. This funding will repair roads and bridges, restore critical infrastructure, and strengthen flood mitigation across the state.”
