North Carolina awarded $48 million in new FEMA recovery funding

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved an additional $48 million for nearly 40 recovery and mitigation projects across North Carolina aimed at helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene and other past disasters.

According to FEMA, the funding includes grants through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, Public Assistance program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

More than $41.9 million will go toward nearly 30 Public Assistance projects, including debris removal, infrastructure repairs and emergency protective measures. Among the largest awards are $17.5 million for North Carolina Emergency Management and $7 million for the UNC Health Care System.

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The funding package also includes $3.1 million for seven mitigation projects across the state. One project will provide $223,000 to evaluate facilities and identify ways to reduce flooding risks in Apex.

In addition, FEMA is awarding $3 million to acquire 10 flood-prone properties damaged by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe, Chatham, Henderson and Polk counties. Officials said the properties will be converted to permanent open space to help reduce future flood damage.

FEMA said the funding is part of its ongoing effort to support North Carolina's recovery and strengthen communities against future disasters.