Congressman Tim Moore Announces nearly $60 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore announced a total of $59.6 Million in new funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery across North Carolina's 14^th District. Projects include debris removal, temporary infrastructure, and permanent roadway repairs.

"This funding helps make our communities whole by reimbursing local governments that stepped up immediately after Hurricane Helene to begin cleanup and recovery," said Congressman Moore."In places like Cleveland County and across Western North Carolina, crews cleared massive amounts of debris and reopened critical routes without waiting for Washington bureaucrats to get their act together. Under new leadership, DHS and FEMA are ensuring that communities are not left to carry those costs alone. I will keep working to make sure every town and county in our district has the support needed to finish the job and rebuild stronger."

$39,706,925.82 will go to Cleveland County to reimburse costs associated with large-scale debris removal following the storm. Local crews removed hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of vegetative debris from waterways and public areas to protect public safety and support recovery. This project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, ensuring the majority of costs are covered by FEMA.

$10,673,179.81 will support debris removal operations across waterways in Cleveland County, including the Broad River and Buffalo Creek. This work will clear debris from nearly 160 sites to reduce flood risks and restore safe conditions. The project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, covering most contracted cleanup and monitoring expenses.

$3,053,060.23 will reimburse Cleveland County for additional debris removal, including hazardous trees, limbs, and storm debris from roads and public property. This project reconciles prior expedited funding and is fully funded at a 100 percent federal cost share for eligible emergency work.

$2,434,133.48 is being provided to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to reimburse the cost of replacing a damaged culvert and roadway along Cedar Creek Road in Rutherford County. The project restores a key transportation route and is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share.

$2,392,884.24 will reimburse the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for constructing a temporary access road and bridge to reconnect Chimney Rock State Park after the storm destroyed the main entrance. This emergency work is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, supporting both public safety and local economic recovery.

$1,664,073.53 will reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures, including temporary bridges, road repairs, and engineering services carried out during and after the storm. This project is funded at a 100 percent federal cost share, recognizing the urgency of the response efforts.