In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, causing an estimated $53 billion in damages, the Biden administration has approved a significant increase in federal disaster relief funding. This decision elevates the federal contribution to 90% for public assistance, hazard mitigation, and other essential relief efforts, surpassing the standard 75% reimbursement rate and thereby reducing the financial burden on the state.
Governor Roy Cooper expressed gratitude for this enhanced support, emphasizing its critical role in rebuilding and strengthening communities to withstand future disasters. The allocated public assistance funding will reimburse private and non-profit organizations for activities such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, infrastructure repairs—including roads, bridges, public buildings, utilities—and associated management costs. Hazard mitigation funds are designated for rebuilding initiatives, such as elevating structures in flood-prone areas and facilitating voluntary property acquisitions when reconstruction is unfeasible. Additionally, the assistance covers serious needs like medical and dental services, funeral expenses, personal property replacement, transportation costs, vehicle repairs, moving expenses, and other FEMA-approved disaster-related expenditures.
The response from North Carolina Republicans has been mixed. Senator Thom Tillis acknowledged the extensive damage and advocated for increased federal aid, stating, “We have to get maximum resources on the ground immediately to finish rescue operations.” However, former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration’s relief efforts, alleging mismanagement and diversion of funds—a claim that has been refuted by federal officials and fact-checkers.
This development underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation in disaster response and the necessity for accurate information to effectively support affected communities.
