Town hears FEMA process briefing as consultants outline damage-inventory timeline

Black Mountain Town Council heard a presentation from Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) on the town's preliminary damage inventory and the steps required to secure federal Public Assistance for hurricane recovery.

IEM consultant Mike Shevary told the council the firm is working with town staff to prepare a consolidated packet of damages for FEMA review and to structure projects so the state and FEMA can obligate funding. "The numbers are going to change as we move through this process," Shevary said, adding the team is aiming to submit documentation ahead of the federally set deadlines.

The consultants described the standard FEMA workflow: presidential disaster declaration, state and FEMA coordination, submission of a Request for Public Assistance, damage inventory…