Edwards Receives Hurricane Helene Recovery Champion Award from Land of Sky Regional Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Land of Sky Regional Council has named Congressman Chuck Edwards a Hurricane Helene Recovery Champion in recognition of his leadership and sustained efforts to support Western North Carolina communities following Hurricane Helene.

Since the storm struck NC-11 late last year, Congressman Edwards has worked closely with federal, state, and local partners to help families, businesses, and communities access disaster assistance and advance long-term recovery efforts across the region. To date, those efforts have helped deliver significant resources to Western North Carolina, including:

• $547.6 million for 160,853 households to assist with home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
• $983 million obligated for 1,947 Helene recovery projects, with total public assistance for all North Carolina disaster declarations exceeding $1 billion.
• $274.3 million disbursed by the U.S. Small Business Administration through low-interest disaster loans.
• 6,038 households receiving rental assistance.
• 184 families transitioning from FEMA temporary housing to permanent solutions, including 50 families who purchased their FEMA housing units.
• 12,395 families receiving $33.8 million for repairs to or replacement of private access roads and bridges.
• Over 7 million cubic yards of debris cleared from public rights-of-way.
• $216.7 million paid in claims through the National Flood Insurance Program.

"While there is still much work ahead, recovery in Western North Carolina continues to move forward because of strong coordination between local leaders, first responders, and community partners," said Congressman Edwards. "I am grateful for this recognition, but our work is not done yet - I will not stop fighting for NC-11 until we are completely rebuilt."

Those seeking assistance with FEMA or any other federal agency are encouraged to contact the Office of Congressman Chuck Edwards at 223-FIX-FEMA.

###