Burke County officials report on Hurricane Helena disaster recovery progress

Burke County officials provided a comprehensive update on disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helena during the March Pre-Agenda Meeting held on March 3, 2025. The meeting highlighted significant progress in recovery initiatives, with a focus on financial assistance and debris management.

Commissioner Britton reported that approximately $350 million in FEMA individual assistance has been allocated across 52,000 households in the region. In Burke County alone, over 13,000 residents registered for assistance, with about $14.6 million awarded to eligible applicants. This includes $4.2 million specifically for housing assistance, addressing the needs of homeowners and renters affected by the hurricane.

The county has also been actively involved in debris collection, having removed over 255,000 cubic yards of material from public right-of-ways. This effort has included the use of multiple debris sites and partnerships with contractors to ensure efficient cleanup. Although initial plans included burning debris, safety concerns led to a shift towards grinding and disposal methods.

In addition to immediate recovery efforts, the county is preparing for long-term mitigation strategies. A home mitigation block grant program is in the works, which will provide options for homeowners to repair or elevate their properties. The board anticipates receiving a list of applications for approval in upcoming meetings.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to supporting residents through the recovery process, with ongoing assessments of property values impacted by the storm. Officials expect to see significant reductions in property values, with estimates ranging from $5 to $6 million for residential properties and $20 to $25 million for commercial properties.

As Burke County continues to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helena, the focus remains on effective recovery and support for affected residents, ensuring that the community can rebuild and recover in the months ahead.