Edwards Advances More Than $25 Million for Western North Carolina in FY27 Appropriations Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) has voted to advance all 12 annual federal spending bills through the House Appropriations Committee this year, securing more than $25 million in targeted investments for communities across Western North Carolina.

Federal appropriations bills fund the day-to-day operations of the U.S. government and must be approved each fiscal year. While the legislation must still pass both the House and Senate before being signed into law, committee approval marks a significant step forward in the funding process.

"As the only North Carolina appropriator, I work to ensure Western North Carolina receives critical federal investment. These bills will address local needs today and build a stronger future for generations to come," said Congressman Edwards.

Included in these appropriations bills are community project funding that support priorities across the 11th Congressional District, including public safety, transportation, health care, housing, water infrastructure, and ongoing disaster recovery efforts.

Among the projects included are:

• $5 million for the Land of Sky Regional Council to support housing recovery efforts for low-income households impacted by Hurricane Helene, including home repairs, rehabilitation, replacement housing, and stabilization services across Western North Carolina.
• $3 million for Mitchell County to create a countywide emergency shelter, feeding facility, emergency operations space, and community resource center that strengthens disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
• $2 million for Asheville Regional Airport to address flooding issues, improve stormwater infrastructure, and support future airport expansion and economic growth.
• $2 million for the Balsam Grove Volunteer Rescue Fire Station to construct a modern, ADA-compliant facility that improves emergency response capabilities and enhances public safety in Transylvania County.
• $1.5 million for the City of Asheville's French Broad River Parkland Corridor Improvements to strengthen parks and recreational infrastructure against future flooding while enhancing public access along the river.
• $1.5 million for Henderson County's Etowah-Horse Shoe EMS Substation to improve emergency response times and expand access to critical emergency medical services in a growing area of the county.

Beyond community project funding, Edwards also secured several provisions in the Homeland Security appropriations bill aimed at improving the federal disaster response process. The legislation includes language directing FEMA to reduce processing times for Public Assistance projects, standardize documentation requirements for rural and low-income applicants, and ensure disaster survivors are not denied Individual Assistance before their insurance claims have been finalized.

The bill also includes an additional $26 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, providing critical resources like FEMA Public Assistance reimbursements to help communities recover from disasters, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and respond to future emergencies.

To date, the House Appropriations Committee has approved all 12 annual appropriations bills for fiscal year 2027. The measures will continue through the legislative process in the coming months as lawmakers work to finalize government funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

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