FEMA decision to cost WNC millions: Rep. Edwards accepts ruling while governor files formal appeal
Recovery is about to get more expensive for Helene-ravaged communities in Western North Carolina. Jack Snyder photo
In a move that will cost the state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars, the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request for an extension on the period during which the federal government would reimburse 100% of recovery expenses for Hurricane Helene.
Rather than fight the decision, the region’s representative in Congress, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) said he’s ready to move on.
“Instead, I’m focusing on other ways I can make a tangible difference in helping the citizens of Western North Carolina recover more quickly,” Edwards told the Asheville Citizen-Times April 11.
On Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged Western North Carolina, causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration two days later. Three days after that, Biden increased the federal cost share for eligible expenses from 75% to 100% for 180 days, retroactive to Sept. 25, 2024. About two months later, Biden again made adjustments to the deal so that upon the expiration of the 180-day period, federal reimbursements would drop to 90% rather than 75%.
Previously, Edwards seemed willing to stand up for communities in his district that are claiming billions in storm damage; five days before the expiration of the 180-day period, Edwards signed a letter to President Donald Trump, along with both of the state’s senators and 13 of the state’s 14 members of Congress, in support of Gov. Josh Stein’s February request to extend the match for an additional 180 days.
“Due to the extensive scope and scale of continuing recovery work, we are concerned that a reduction in the federal cost share at this time will risk undercutting important work that is currently underway,” the letter reads.
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FEMA’s response, addressed to Stein on April 11, said the request to extend the 100% federal cost share “is not warranted.” The state has until May 11 to appeal the decision. Stein’s response urged the president to “reconsider FEMA’s bad decision, even for 90 days.”
On April 14, Stein announced he will appeal the ruling.
“I continue to urge Congress and the White House to appropriate additional funds at a meaningful level,” Stein said.
Edwards told the Citizen-Times that the extension request was “unprecedented” and that he would continue “to assist survivors with FEMA casework and working with the administration to find additional avenues to alleviate the financial stress our communities and the state of North Carolina are facing.”
But Edwards’ approach hasn’t exactly been working. Edwards, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, helped write and pass a $110 billion disaster recovery bill last December but failed to carve out enough money to help his own state address the $60 billion in damage. North Carolina is only expected to receive between $9 billion and $15 billion from the bill.
Additionally, a Smoky Mountain News investigation into the distribution of federal money to local governments revealed that local governments are losing ground waiting for FEMA funds to flow — some of them, even having to spend their own money on projects that just can’t wait. Out of 23 city and county government units claiming more than $1.7 billion in damage, only nine have received any funding from FEMA — totaling just $67.2 million, or less than 4% of needs. Fourteen of those local governments have received nothing at all, six months after the disaster.
The impact of FEMA’s decision, should it stand, will affect municipalities large and small across Edwards’ congressional district. Towns like Canton, with a $9.7 million general fund but $11.3 million in damage, will now have to fork over the 10% not covered by the federal cost share, leaving the town to come out-of-pocket for $1.3 million or more.
Edwards did not respond to an interview request by The Smoky Mountain News and hasn’t spoken to SMN since stating in a June 2023 town hall that he would only speak to media outlets that give him favorable coverage.
