ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Federal officials have approved an additional $28 million to help North Carolina recover from Tropical Storm Helene and other recent disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced.
The new funding, announced Sunday, Aug. 24, by Secretary Noem, raises the state’s August reimbursements to $124 million.
Among the grants obligated:
- $14 million for emergency protective measures taken by about 40 communities following Helene.
- $4.3 million to repair public parks and recreational facilities in Avery, Buncombe and Haywood counties and elsewhere.
- $3.6 million for public road and bridge repairs.
- $3 million to repair or replace essential utilities, including water treatment plants, water lines and electrical systems.
- $2.8 million for local debris removal in Buncombe County, Beech Mountain and other communities.
FEMA reimburses these costs at a minimum 75 percent federal share under its Public Assistance Program, while Helene-related expenses are covered at no less than 90 percent.
Since January, the state has received more than $347 million in Public Assistance reimbursements. To date, FEMA has provided more than $656 million for North Carolina recovery efforts, including road repairs, debris removal and infrastructure restoration.
