U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has acknowledged the Department of Homeland Security’s approval of more than $29 million in public assistance grants for recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The announcement was made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Senator Budd stated, “I am grateful for Secretary Noem working with me to more regularly approve reimbursements for Helene and past disaster recovery projects. While I have released my holds on DHS nominees, I will continue to engage all relevant federal agencies to make sure Western North Carolina receives the focus and attention it deserves, particularly the final distribution of funds to the municipalities and state agencies in desperate need of financial relief. There is still more work to be done to make the people of Western North Carolina whole in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, and the federal government must continue to do its part.”
This latest funding follows a previous release last month when $155 million was allocated for other projects related to Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina.
The new round of funding will be distributed among several applicants including local governments and state agencies. Recipients include North Carolina Emergency Management, various towns such as Beech Mountain and Spruce Pine, Avery County, Morganton City, Asheville City, and the NC Department of Transportation. Projects range from emergency support services and administrative building repairs to debris removal and infrastructure restoration.
The funds are intended to help these communities recover from damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene, supporting ongoing efforts across municipal facilities, water systems, parks, roads, dams, and senior centers.
