Ashe County approves $468,000 state cash‑flow loan and hears updates on disaster aid programs

Ashe County commissioners voted to accept a state cash‑flow loan of about $468,000 on March 17 to bridge recovery expenses from Hurricane Helene while the county pursues FEMA reimbursements.

The loan, enacted in a recovery bill passed in Raleigh in October 2024, is intended to cover immediate cash‑flow needs such as debris removal, repairs to county facilities and other emergency operations, county staff said. “The amount of the loan is about $468,000. There is no interest on the loan,” a county staff member explained during the meeting.

The vote to accept the state loan was taken after staff said agreements were sent to western counties affected by the storm and that the funds would be used to pay current recovery costs while FEMA paperwork and reimbursements continue. Commissioners were told there is discussion at the state level about making some loans forgivable, but nothing has been authorized.

The board also heard public‑comment and agency briefings related to recovery assistance. Elias, a representative of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resiliency, reminded residents that the deadline to apply for physical‑damage disaster loans is April 27 and summarized loan options for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations. He said physical‑damage loans can cover up to $500,000 for homeowners, up to $2,000,000 for businesses and up to $100,000 for personal property for homeowners and renters; economic‑injury loans for working capital also are available. Elias advised applicants to check their SBA disaster portal and follow up on withdrawn applications, which can be pulled to avoid an automatic denial while missing information is resolved.

County social‑services staff reported ongoing disaster case management activity and described donated temporary housing units (campers) placed with families. A department representative said case management has helped coordinate hookups and septic work and that a long‑term recovery group may pay electricians in bulk to speed connections for donated units; staff noted roughly nine families remained on a waiting list at the time of the report.

Via Health, the regional managed‑care organization, provided an update on behavioral‑health tailored plans and a Hope for NC grant program offering direct outreach and support for people impacted by the storm. A Via Health representative said the organization is expanding provider networks and operating a pilot to address social determinants of health for eligible members.

County staff emphasized that the loan proceeds are intended as short‑term cash‑flow assistance and that the county will continue to pursue federal reimbursements. Commissioners approved the loan and asked staff to report back with updated totals of anticipated FEMA reimbursements at a future meeting.

The board recessed to an executive session after the regular agenda.