North Carolina

https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/fema-hurricane-helene-relief-funds-north-carolina-ending-100-percent-match/83-feed5340-2962-45ee-8209-c152408ec304

Gov. Stein says he urges 'President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision' on Hurricane Helene relief money

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is ending their 100 percent match for Hurricane Helene recovery.




GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is ending their 100 percent match for paying for Hurricane Helene recovery. North Carolina had asked the federal government to expend the deadline for another 180 days. But Governor Josh Stein says FEMA denied that request.

The Governor released a statement which reads:

"Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days. I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm. The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done."

We reached out to FEMA for comment but haven't heard back.

North Carolina has come a long way since the storm hit, but leaders stress lots of work remains. About 5,500 people are getting some sort of temporary housing help. Unemployment rates in the mountains remain the highest in the state. Thousands of private roads and bridges have yet to be repaired.