McDowell officials report slow FEMA approvals, ramped-up debris removal in Helene recovery

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 residents to keep applying and to bring documentation to the disaster recovery center before the application deadline for new filings. Keller noted that April 7 is the deadline to file a new individual-assistance application; applicants with existing files can still submit documents after that date.

What county staff reported: Keller said the county has collected 234,204 cubic yards of debris to date, up from about 54,000 cubic yards at the February update. Waterway-clearing operations are ongoing: 65 crews were working waterways the day of the meeting, and the Army Corps of Engineers has approved a Lake Tahoma debris removal operation that county staff expect to begin within seven to 14 days. “It’s estimated there’s 400 to 500,000 cubic yards of debris in Lake Tahoma,” Keller said. He emphasized the importance of clearing Buck Creek because “75% of Marion’s water comes out of Buck Creek.”

Temporary debris sites and personal property debris removal: A second temporary debris site at the former H & B lumber facility on US 221 North was added to speed operations, county staff said. Personal-property debris removal (trees and storm debris on private property) remains open by application through the county; Keller said the Corps sends contractors to do the work once FEMA approves an application. As of the meeting, 314 personal-property-debris applications had been submitted to the county and 40 had been forwarded to FEMA that day.

Housing, shelters and volunteers: Transitional Shelter Assistance hotel vouchers have declined to 15 families from 64, the county reported. Three families remain in FEMA direct housing (trailers or leased units). Keller credited volunteers and faith-based groups — including Baptist on Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and multiple local congregations — with completing 303 of 443 rapid-repair requests. He said about 86 requests were pending and 54 applicants could not be contacted.

Private roads, bridges and hazard mitigation: Keller said more than 50 private bridges remain out of service and some road repairs will be six‑figure projects. He said the state allocated $100 million for private roads and bridges, but programs were still being stood up and county staff continued to press for rapid assistance. The county reported 32 properties had applied for acquisition via hazard mitigation and 22 for elevation; the county will administer eight generator projects if funding is approved.

Next steps and contacts: Keller urged residents to use the county’s 24/7 hotline at 652-3241 for storm-related questions and to visit the FEMA disaster recovery center at the McDowell County Senior Center for in-person help; the DRC remains open with weekend and weekday hours. He said county staff meet with FEMA weekly and continue to advocate for faster inspections and approvals.

Context: County staff said debris missions targeting waterways aim to finish by June 1 ahead of hurricane season. The county emphasized that behind each number is a family, and officials asked residents to remain patient and persistent in their FEMA applications.