Rutherford reimbursed $9.39 million for Helene recovery

Rutherford County has been allocated $9.39 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to reimburse for debris removal and emergency response work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The funding has been earmarked to support cleanup projects across the county, including debris removal and clearing waterways. 

“Rutherford County worked quickly to remove debris in the wake of Hurricane Helene to keep folks safe and increase vehicle access to the areas that were hit hardest,” US Rep. Tim Moore, R-NC14, said in a press release. “It’s great news that they’ll be reimbursed more than $9 million for the work they’ve already done to help their community recover.”

Of the $9.39 million, $1.6 million has been allocated for debris removal in waterways across the county. More than 19,000 cubic yards of vegetation debris, as well as limbs and trees from waterways, ditches, and canals. The work restored flow in critical water channels and addressed initial safety concerns following the storm. The project was funded at a 100% federal cost-share. 

An additional $3.7 million was allocated for the removal of debris across roads, public property, and right-of-ways. More than 75,000 cubic yards of limbs, trees, and vegetation debris are supporting ongoing recovery efforts and restoring access throughout the county. The project is funded at a 90% federal cost share, and the total cost is $4.16 million. 

Finally, $4.03 million is allocated for the continued removal of debris in waterways during the later phases of hurricane recovery. The project includes the removal of more than 20,000 cubic yards of hazardous trees and vegetation debris from waterways throughout the county. The project is funded at a 90% federal cost share, and the total cost is $4.48 million. 

All three of these projects are funded under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

This announcement follows a March 25 letter from North Carolina’s Republican congressional delegation to US Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), urging him to release pending FEMA funding designated for Helene recovery. 

Additionally, $3.59 million in FEMA funding was awarded to Burke County in early March, allocated for flood mitigation and Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Burke County also falls in Moore’s district. 

“Rutherford reimbursed $9.39 million for Helene recovery” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.