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McDowell officials report slow FEMA approvals, ramped-up debris removal in Helene recovery
Summary
County emergency management reported $20.6 million in FEMA individual-assistance payments to McDowell residents but said many applicants were receiving less than the program maximum. County staff outlined ongoing debris removal, temporary debris sites and volunteer-led housing repairs as recovery continues 167 days after Hurricane Helene.
McDowell County emergency-management officials told the Board of Commissioners on March 10 that recovery from Hurricane Helene remains active but uneven: roughly $20.6 million in FEMA individual-assistance payments have gone to county residents, yet only 40 applicants have received the program’s maximum award of $42,500.
The update came during a presentation by William Keller, the county’s recovery lead, who said the county’s emergency operations center (EOC) has been activated for 167 days and continues to coordinate debris removal, human services, finance and public information work. “This is the worst disaster in North Carolina’s history. The worst disaster in McDowell County’s history,” Keller said, adding that many homeowners are still without houses and some continue to pay mortgages for destroyed properties.
Why it matters: County officials said slow FEMA inspections, denials and multiple follow‑up letters are discouraging applicants and delaying aid. Keller and Deputy Director Adrian Jones asked…
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