ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA continues to support the state of North Carolina as it leads community cleanup and restores infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Helene and other disasters.
On Aug. 28, FEMA approved an additional $35 million in reimbursement funds for North Carolina disaster recovery. This brings the total in August alone to more than $160 million in recovery reimbursements to the state.
Here are some of the notable FEMA grants obligated to the state and communities:
- $19.6 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for permanent repairs to damaged public roadways in Ashe, Burke and McDowell counties.
- $4.6 million to the Metropolitan Sewage District of Buncombe County for permanent repairs to 143,500 linear feet of sewer lines.
- $1.9 million to the North Carolina Arboretum for permanent repairs to damaged and washed-out trails in Asheville. This project includes mitigation measures to improve drainage and minimize future flood damage.
- $1.8 million to Mitchell County for repairs to three ballfields and two playgrounds along Cane Creek.
- $1.5 million to McDowell County for emergency measures taken to protect health and safety following Helene.
- $1.3 million to the town of Marshall for emergency measures to provide power and prevent additional damage to the wastewater treatment plant.
- $1.3 million to the North Carolina Department of Corrections for the activation of its emergency operations center and emergency protective measures taken at five correctional facilities.
FEMA is reimbursing these costs at no less than a 75% federal share through its Public Assistance Program which provides funds for state and local governments response and recovery work. Helene costs are funded at no less than 90%. To date, more than $696 million has been provided to the state for road repair, debris removal, critical infrastructure repair and more. Since Jan. 20, 2025, more than $382 million in Public Assistance reimbursements has been approved to support the recovery efforts in North Carolina.