New FEMA head denies NC request to extend 100% reimbursement for Helene damage

Anna Roman, The News & Observer on Apr 12, 2025

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency will end its 100% match for Helene disaster recovery in North Carolina.

“The need in Western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a news release. “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.”

Stein had asked the federal government to extend its 100% match. He received the denial news while in Newland with people who lost their homes in the storm, he said. More than 100 people died in the storm that caused more than $60 billion in damage to Western North Carolina.

In December, the Biden administration approved the state’s request to cover 90% for some Helene recovery efforts and 100% for others, including debris cleanup, The News & Observer previously reported. With the state’s extension not granted, the reimbursement match goes to 90%.

“It has been determined that the increased level of funding you have requested for major disaster (Helene) is not warranted,” according to a letter from interim FEMA head Cameron Hamilton to Stein on Friday. Hamilton was appointed by President Donald Trump in January.

The FEMA letter, obtained by The Asheville Citizen-Times, says the state has 30 days to appeal the decision.

In February, more than 153,000 households were being helped by FEMA, according to a federal news release.

In February, the Trump administration denied Georgia’s FEMA extension request for Hurricane Helene recovery.

FEMA did not respond to an email from The News & Observer.