Federal government releases $116 million in new Helene recovery funds for North Carolina

North Carolina is set to receive $116 million in new Helene recovery funding after weeks of complaints from state leaders about delays from the Trump administration.

North Carolinians are set to see a large release of federal assistance meant to help those still recovering from Tropical Storm Helene.

The state will get $72 million in FEMA Public Assistance and $44.6 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, according to a Jan. 14 news release from U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ office.

Public assistance funds will go towards repairing and replacing public infrastructure including roads, water and sewer systems, schools and public safety facilities, the release said.

“My team and I are asking FEMA, ‘What’s the hold up?'”

Gov. Josh Stein, Oct. 13

“These funds allow communities to restore essential services, reopen public facilities, and accelerate recovery efforts without diverting limited local resources,” the release said.

“FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is designed to help local governments rebuild in a way that’s resilient against potential future natural disasters, according to DHS’ website.

The release of this money has been much anticipated.

“My team and I are asking FEMA, ‘What’s the hold up?'” Gov. Josh Stein said during an Oct. 13 Governor’s Advisory Committee​ on WNC Recovery meeting, the Asheville Citizen Times previously reported.

Former NC Gov. Roy Cooper with FEMA officials in Boone after Helene devastated western NC in 2024. (James M. Davidson via Shutterstock)

“While this is another promising step in the right direction, there are still families awaiting buyouts for their damaged and destroyed properties. As I have with the public assistance program, I pledge that I will continue to work closely with all federal, state, and local leaders to continue to identify projects that qualify for federal reimbursement,” U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said in a Jan. 14 news release.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation will receive $34.7 million for repairs to 300 road and bridge sites in Alleghany, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, Surry and Watauga counties, The Department of Homeland Security said in a Jan. 14 news release.

Another $17.6 million will go to Rutherford County for removal of 700,000 cubic yards of debris and 70,000 trees and limbs from rights-of-way as well as running four debris processing sites, it said.

Asheville will receive $10.5 million for potable water distribution, repair for more than 100 fleet vehicles and repairs to roads and the DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant, it said.

The Town of Beech Mountain will receive $3.7 million for sewer and wastewater plant repairs, it said.

Buncombe County will get another $14.2 million and Henderson County $9.2 million for acquiring flood-prone properties, according to the DHS release.

Beaufort County will get $2.5 million to elevate homes prone to flooding. The city of Asheville had applied for more than $400 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding as of November, the Citizen Times previously reported.

“I’ve been on the ground in these communities, and it’s encouraging to see businesses reopening and folks moving forward — with continued support like this, we can do even more,” U.S. Rep. Tim Moore said in a Jan. 14 news release.

Reporting by George Fabe Russell, Hendersonville Times-News / Hendersonville Times-News

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