Noem approves $155M in FEMA funds; Budd says he will lift hold on DHS nom
The Department of Homeland Security announced that another $155 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance funds would be released for Western North Carolina recovery from Tropical Storm Helene on Nov. 4.
Under FEMA's Public Assistance program, supplemental grants are provided to state, tribal, territorial and local governments as reimbursements for additional expenditures made after natural disasters. Since Helene hit, the agency has provided over $849 million in funds through the program to North Carolina, according to FEMA Open Data. The grants cover at least 90% of eligible work under the program. DHS announced the additional funding on social media.
The amount of funding received by North Carolina by the federal government makes up roughly 9% of estimated costs, according to an Oct. 14 presentation by the Governor's Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery.
Where the additional $155 million is going in the region is unclear. DHS did not respond to Citizen Times request for comment on how the funds will be used.
WNC communities have faced delays in receiving funding after Helene hit on Sept. 27, 2024, causing roughly $60 billion in damages and killing over 100 in the state. A spending rule created by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem requires her personal approval of contracts over $100,000, which public officials believe to be a reason for delays . DHS has denied the claim .
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said he was "pleased that another round of much-needed funding for Hurricane Helene recovery is on its way to our state." In early October, the state said it is not expecting additional delays in funding due to the federal government shutdown, which began Oct. 1 and is now the longest in U.S. history, the Citizen Times reported.
"I appreciate North Carolina's federal delegation for their continued advocacy. Every dollar moves us one step closer to making sure western North Carolina recovers stronger than before - but we still have a long way to go. I will keep pushing for WNC," Stein wrote on social media Nov. 5.
Following the announcement of additional funds, North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd said that he would be lifting his hold on the DHS General Counsel nominee James Percival as soon as the funds are received by WNC communities.
More: Gov. Stein announces $50M Helene recovery program for broadband infrastructure in WNC
More: NC man charged after burning American flag faces 'vindictive prosecution,' attorneys say
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Consider supporting this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Tim es.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: FEMA announces additional $155M in Helene reimbursements
