Federal Funding for ⁣North Carolina Hurricane Recovery Faces⁣ Delays

Raleigh,NC – After a month-long hold-up,governor ​Josh Stein announced the release of $83 million in federal disaster aid this ⁤week to support road repairs and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. However, the funding falls short‌ of the state’s total request, sparking renewed calls for increased federal‌ support.

Delayed Aid and ​Ongoing Needs

Governor Stein highlighted the protracted approval process, noting that ⁢the ​funds were contingent on final ⁤sign-off‌ from Department of⁤ Homeland ⁤Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A new policy implemented by​ the Trump administration requires Secretary ‌Noem’s approval for all disaster relief requests exceeding $100,000. This policy has ⁢created significant delays⁤ in getting ​crucial resources to⁤ communities in need.

“Releasing these⁣ funds would make strides‍ toward⁤ providing financial certainty to communities that will continue to need significant support to rebuild,” Governor⁢ Stein stated in an August 15‌ letter to Secretary Noem, echoing a similar plea made in July. The Department of‌ Homeland ⁣Security oversees the Federal Emergency⁣ Management Agency (FEMA).

Funding Shortfall⁣ and ​Impacted Projects

While the $83 million‍ in public assistance grant funding is‌ a welcome⁤ step, it ‌represents less ‍than the state’s overall request. north Carolina initially sought approximately $187 million, leaving ​a gap of over $100 million. Moreover, the state is still awaiting approval ⁤for​ $94 million in hazard mitigation grants. These grants ⁢are vital for local governments ⁢seeking ​to proactively reduce⁣ future flood risks by acquiring or elevating vulnerable properties.

Did You Know? Hazard mitigation grants can⁢ significantly reduce the long-term costs associated with repeated flooding events, saving taxpayer dollars and protecting communities.

The released funds will be allocated⁤ to critical infrastructure projects ⁢across Western North Carolina, including repairs⁣ to the⁢ Department of Transportation network and ⁢debris removal in Haywood County.‍ Dozens of other⁣ ongoing recovery initiatives will also benefit from ‍this initial tranche of aid.

Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact

State officials ⁤estimate that Hurricane Helene caused approximately $60 billion in damages across North Carolina. To date, the federal government has provided only about ⁤8% of the requested funding. ⁤According to‍ Matt Calabria,director of ‌the Governor’s Recovery Office for‌ Western North ⁢Carolina,states typically receive 45-48% of total damages for comparable storms.

“The federal government has not stepped up, and they must step up ‍more,” Governor Stein asserted. “It is now​ time for Congress to prioritize disaster relief ‍and support the people of Western North Carolina.”

Key Funding Details

Pro Tip: Understanding the difference between public assistance and ⁤hazard mitigation ⁢grants is crucial for communities seeking disaster recovery funding. Public assistance covers immediate response ⁤and rebuilding, while hazard mitigation focuses ⁢on preventing future damage.

What steps can local communities take to‌ advocate for increased federal disaster relief funding? How can⁤ residents‍ stay informed about available resources and assistance programs?

The ongoing delay in federal funding‍ underscores the challenges faced by⁢ communities striving to rebuild after major disasters. As another‍ hurricane season ‌looms, the ‍need for swift and adequate federal support is more critical ⁢than ⁢ever.

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