The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made two separate announcements in September totaling more than $76 million in new FEMA reimbursements to support North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, adding to a broader $3 billion commitment for North Carolina’s disaster funding since President Trump took office in January 2025.
Applicants for this FEMA funding are state and local governments, tribes and certain nonprofits like schools, utilities, and hospitals. The work involved is debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repairs to infrastructure. FEMA typically pays 75% of eligible costs, but in a case like Helene, the federal awards may be 90% or even 100% for certain categories of work. After completing the work, the applicant documents expenses and submits them through the state to FEMA. If approved, FEMA provides reimbursement. This process explains why the funding comes in waves long after the storm.
Recent disbursements include $65.2 million for road repairs in western counties, $35.4 million for the state Department of Transportation, $10.7 million for Asheville, $5.9 million for Chimney Rock State Park, $5.8 million for Beech Mountain road repairs, $4.6 million for Buncombe County, and millions more for utilities, schools, debris removal, and community facilities.
Since July, North Carolina has received more than $228 million in reimbursements, and FEMA has funded more than 200 recovery projects statewide. The assistance covers critical infrastructure restoration, road and bridge repairs, power system protection, debris clearance, and housing support for thousands of families. Federal officials describe it as one of the largest debris removal missions in U.S. history.
In addition to DHS investments, North Carolina will benefit from a recent funding announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), allocating an additional $1.15 billion in Hurricane Helene recovery funds to damaged communities.
The DOT funding will come from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program and will support a variety of North Carolina projects under FHWA’s 2025 allocations.
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