FEMA: Nearly $2M Coming for Lake Lure Marina Repairs

More than $233 million in federal public assistance reimbursements has been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support Hurricane Helene recovery across western North Carolina, with funding intended to repay local governments, state agencies, and utilities for response and repair costs already incurred.

The money will be distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the Public Assistance program that helps governments cover eligible expenses such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, and infrastructure restoration following disasters. Federal guidance notes that the program reimburses work needed to restore facilities to pre-disaster condition while encouraging mitigation to reduce future risk.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-North Carolina, said communities were forced to spend heavily in the storm’s aftermath while awaiting reimbursement.

“Communities across Western North Carolina have fronted millions of dollars to clear and repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene,” Budd said. “I’ve continued to engage with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to expedite the release of federal aid for recovery and repairs that had been stalled, and I am proud to announce that another $233 million is on the way.”

According to project information released with the funding announcement, more than $200 million will reimburse the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures, including temporary facilities, generators, food and water distribution, staffing support, and sanitation services. These expenses qualify for a 100% federal cost share under FEMA rules.

Additional reimbursements cover infrastructure work throughout the region, including North Carolina Department of Transportation repairs to roads, bridges and drainage systems damaged by flooding and erosion. Utility restoration projects are also included, with funding for electrical system repairs carried out by regional cooperatives.

Lake Lure marina project

Among the individual awards is funding for dock restoration at the Town of Lake Lure marina following damage caused by Helene.

Federal officials approved $1,796,864.36 in funding for permanent repairs under FEMA disaster declaration FEMA-DR-4827-NC. The award is authorized through Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which allows reimbursement for restoring damaged public facilities and incorporating mitigation measures.

Helene’s strong winds, heavy rain and flooding displaced and severely damaged floating and fixed docks, gangways and associated components at the marina. The town will use contracted work to remove and replace damaged structures and restore them to their pre-storm design, capacity and function within the existing footprint, consistent with applicable codes and standards.

The project also includes mitigation improvements intended to reduce future storm damage. Plans call for installation of additional pile anchors and telescoping spud poles on floating docks and boardwalks to reinforce anchoring systems, increase lateral stability and allow structures to better adapt to fluctuating water levels.

Total project costs are calculated at $1,996,515.95, including contract work and mitigation elements. FEMA determined the mitigation measures to be cost-effective under its Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, with the project funded at a 90% federal cost share in accordance with federal notice requirements.

Continuing recovery

Hurricane Helene struck the region in September 2024, bringing severe flooding and infrastructure damage to the southern Appalachians. Federal and state assessments estimate tens of billions of dollars in losses, with recovery efforts ongoing more than a year later.

Officials say the latest reimbursements reflect continuing efforts to stabilize local budgets and rebuild critical infrastructure as communities work through long-term recovery and mitigation planning.