Haywood commissioners press for faster disaster recovery as FEMA delays slow housing, buyouts

Haywood County commissioners on Jan. 6 pressed for faster state and federal action to move displaced families out of motels and into temporary or permanent housing after widespread flood damage, while county staff outlined current hazard-mitigation options and a new FEMA landslide-assistance program.

The county’s Development Services staffer Travis provided the update on mitigation programs and deadlines and urged residents to apply. “Our big push still is hazard mitigation,” Travis said, and he gave the county hotline for immediate questions: (828) 356-2020. He also asked residents to contact Cody Grama in Development Services for mitigation questions at (828) 476-0285 or mitigation@haywoodcountync.gov and noted printed applications are available at 141 Hemlock Street in Waynesville and online at ReadyHaywood.com.

Why it matters: commissioners said many Haywood families remain in motels, in crowded temporary living situations or waiting for buyouts and repairs, and they want clearer communications and quicker action from FEMA and state partners. Commissioner Best said the situation has left “these people’s lives are on hold,” and commissioners repeatedly urged the county’s state and federal contacts to move paperwork and approvals faster.

Key program details and deadlines

- Hazard mitigation options described by Travis include acquisition (buyouts), elevation, reconstruction…