ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional $48 million in funding for nearly 40 recovery and mitigation projects across North Carolina, providing new resources to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene and other past disasters while strengthening resilience against future hazards.
The funding package, announced this week, will be distributed through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitation Grant Programs. The investments are aimed at supporting infrastructure improvements, disaster recovery efforts, flood mitigation planning, and emergency management initiatives in communities throughout the state.
A portion of the funding, totaling $3.1 million, has been allocated through the BRIC program for seven pre-disaster mitigation projects designed to reduce future disaster-related losses and improve community preparedness.
Among the largest BRIC awards is $1.8 million dedicated to updating North Carolina’s building codes and standards. State officials view modernized construction requirements as a key strategy for improving resilience against severe weather events and reducing long-term recovery costs.
Several local communities will also receive funding for risk assessment and planning initiatives. Apex has been awarded $223,000 to evaluate facilities and identify measures that could reduce flooding risks. Winton will receive $213,000 to assess facilities and develop strategies aimed at reducing vulnerability to tropical cyclones.
Additional planning projects include $211,000 for Bolton to develop a flood resilience initiative, while Aurora will receive an equal amount to conduct a sewer system evaluation intended to reduce the risk of infrastructure failures. In Cramerton, $200,000 has been approved to create a new hazard mitigation plan focused on reducing flood threats in the Baltimore neighborhood. Gastonia will receive $160,000 to develop water and wastewater improvements aimed at minimizing flood-related impacts.
The majority of the newly approved funding, however, comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which is providing $41.9 million for nearly 30 projects statewide. These funds are intended to reimburse local governments and organizations for expenses associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to damaged public infrastructure.
North Carolina Emergency Management will receive the largest single allocation, with $17.5 million approved to cover disaster management expenses and debris removal operations. The funding is expected to support ongoing recovery efforts resulting from recent storms and natural disasters that have affected communities across the state.
Another significant award includes $7 million for the UNC Health Care System to reimburse emergency measures that were implemented to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The funding reflects FEMA’s continued support for eligible public health emergency expenditures incurred during the pandemic response.
Infrastructure repair projects also account for a substantial share of the assistance. Roxboro has been approved for $2.8 million to repair a dam spillway damaged following Tropical Depression Chantal. Mitchell County will receive $2.6 million for repairs to parks damaged by Hurricane Helene as well as related management costs.
The city of Asheville has been awarded $2.4 million to cover Hurricane Helene management expenses. An additional $2.4 million will go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to support debris removal operations and roadway repairs associated with disaster recovery efforts.
Elsewhere, Rutherford County has been approved for $1.2 million in Hurricane Helene management funding, while Dare County will receive $1.5 million to address management costs linked to Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.
In addition to recovery and infrastructure investments, FEMA is directing $3 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help North Carolina acquire 10 flood-prone properties that were damaged by Hurricane Helene. The properties are located in Buncombe, Chatham, Henderson and Polk counties.
According to FEMA, the acquired properties will be converted into permanent open space. The approach is designed to reduce future disaster losses by removing structures from areas that face repeated flood risks, helping protect residents and lowering future recovery costs.
The latest funding announcement underscores the federal government’s ongoing effort to support North Carolina’s recovery from major disasters while investing in projects intended to strengthen long-term resilience. By combining infrastructure improvements, mitigation planning, property acquisitions and emergency management support, FEMA aims to help communities reduce future risks and recover more effectively from severe weather events.
FEMA remains committed to supporting North Carolina’s recovery and resilience, working closely with state and local partners to help communities rebuild stronger for the future.
