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County reports 350 HMGP applications; acquisitions and reviews moving through FEMA process
Summary
Buncombe County told commissioners it has 350 hazard-mitigation grant program (HMGP) applications, including 235 acquisition requests; groups of properties submitted to FEMA are at different review stages and the county deadline for HMGP applications is Oct. 15.
Buncombe County staff updated the board on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), reporting 350 total applications countywide and providing status on grouped submissions that are under FEMA review.
"So, the application process is slowing down a little bit. 235 acquisitions, 72 for elevations, 29 stabilizations, 9 mitigation reconstructions, 5 slope stabilizations," said Brad Hughes during the HMGP portion of the briefing.
Staff provided grouped-status details: Group 1 (23 properties for acquisition) was submitted to FEMA by the state on Feb. 21, 2025, and was in FEMA review and described as "nearing completion"; Group 2 was submitted to FEMA on June 4, 2025 and FEMA was working with the state on documentation; Group 3 was returned to the county from NCEM on Aug. 5, 2025 and was undergoing an internal county review.
County staff warned that acquisition projects typically require extended planning and legal work (including environmental assessments, benefit-cost analyses and property-rights issues) and that HMGP work takes time. The county reiterated its October 15 deadline for local HMGP applications and encouraged applicants to use the Helene Resource Center for help.
Why it matters: HMGP acquisitions and mitigation projects can permanently reduce risk from future floods and storms, but they involve complex, multi-step reviews and legal requirements that lengthen timelines.
What to watch: FEMA review outcomes for Group 1 and Group 2 submissions, the county—s internal review of Group 3, and whether applicants require additional support on documentation or benefit-cost analyses to progress projects.
