More than $1 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance grants have now been provided to Western North Carolina communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, according to an announcement by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The announcement includes an additional $33 million allocated for 44 new recovery projects in the region.
The latest funding continues efforts by the Trump Administration to expedite disaster recovery resources. Since President Trump took office, $700 million of the total FEMA assistance has been distributed. In addition to these Public Assistance grants, more than $2 billion has supported U.S. Army Corps of Engineers missions for debris clearance throughout the state.
“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, and Chairman Michael Whatley for their strong advocacy on behalf of North Carolinians.”
Several notable FEMA grants were highlighted as part of this funding:
- The City of Asheville received $10.7 million for projects such as permanent repairs to Bee Tree Dam and emergency protective measures managed by the Water Resources Department.
- The North Carolina Department of Transportation was awarded $7.4 million for road repairs in Alleghany, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, and McDowell counties.
- Avery County obtained $3.4 million for repairs at its senior center and administrative building.
- The Town of Beech Mountain was granted $1.6 million for emergency measures following Helene.
- Spruce Pine received $1.2 million to fix water and wastewater systems.
- North Carolina Emergency Management was reimbursed with $1 million for costs related to emergency operations center activation and public information efforts.
FEMA is covering at least 90% of eligible Helene-related costs through its Public Assistance program—an enhanced federal share reserved for major disasters—to help state and local governments manage response and recovery activities.
In addition to aid directed at government entities and infrastructure projects, FEMA has also paid more than $542 million directly to survivors in order to assist families with their recovery needs.
