FEMA Approves More Than $63 Million for Helene Recovery Across NC-14

FEMA has approved more than $63.2 million in Hurricane Helene recovery funding for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, according to Congressman Tim Moore’s office.

The package supports debris removal, bridge replacement, and water and sewer infrastructure repairs across multiple counties, with Rutherford and Burke counties receiving the largest shares.

“These projects represent another important step forward in the recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said Congressman Moore. “From debris removal in Burke County and Rutherford County to infrastructure repairs in communities across NC-14, this funding will help restore critical infrastructure and support the work that remains ahead. I appreciate President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA for continuing to prioritize Western North Carolina's recovery.” 

Rutherford County accounts for the bulk of the funding, with nearly $50 million tied to recovery projects.

Major allocations include:

• $43.8 million for countywide debris removal

• $14.5 million to reimburse Lake Lure sediment removal work

• More than $3.2 million combined for Lake Lure sewer, road, and pipe repairs

• $2.4 million for the Cedar Creek Road bridge replacement

• Additional repairs in Spindale and Chimney Rock Village

Burke County

• $18.07 million for debris removal operations

• $129,727 for infrastructure repairs in Morganton

Other counties receiving funding

• Gaston County: $1.15 million for sewer, water, and trail repairs

• Cleveland County: $795,602 for water system pipe repairs

• Catawba County: $814,550 for Hickory water intake repairs

Polk County: $172,895 for recovery-related administrative costs

Officials say the FEMA funding will continue supporting long-term recovery efforts tied to Hurricane Helene, particularly for damaged water systems, road infrastructure, and debris removal across Western North Carolina.

The news comes after Gov. Josh Stein was on Capitol Hill on June 8 seeking $10B more from Congress, according to a statement issued on June 10.