Western NC to see major flood‑risk reduction with $59M FEMA grant

WESTERN, N.C. (WTVD) -- FEMA has announced $59 million in new funding for North Carolina to help eliminate flood risks following Hurricane Helene's damage to properties in the western part of the state.

The funding will be used to purchase more than 150 severely damaged properties, providing relief to affected homeowners. Once acquired, the land will be converted into green space and placed under deed restrictions to prevent future development and reduce longterm flood risk.

Recently approved acquisition projects across Western North Carolina include:

$51.7 million to buy 142 damaged properties in Buncombe County

$2.4 million for 11 damaged properties in Haywood County

$2.4 million for nine damaged properties in Mitchell County.

FEMA has approved more than $146 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for Hurricane Helene projects in North Carolina, showing just how monumental the effort is.

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