One Year After Hurricane Helene, NC Towns Still Waiting
Old Fort, North Carolina and other western Carolina mountain communities mark the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene while recovery remains incomplete. Local officials say debris removal and some business reopenings have occurred, but towns are still awaiting millions in FEMA reimbursements to repair streets, water systems and schools; Gov. Josh Stein has renewed a $13 billion federal aid request, of which under 10% has been approved to date.
Environment
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A year after Hurricane Helene, a region still awaits help, but marks recovery
New information:
- Governor Josh Stein requested $13 billion in federal aid for the state; federal approvals total under 10% of that request so far.
- Old Fort lost nearly 50 structures in Hurricane Helene and still has nearly 20 projects (streets, water systems, schools) awaiting FEMA reimbursement.
- Many residents remain in temporary housing one year after the storm; local officials and experts cite FEMA staffing changes and politicized processes as delaying payments.