County says FEMA public‑assistance application stalled; $11.4M sought, $12k received so far
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Summary
Burke County manager updated the board on an $11.4 million FEMA public‑assistance reimbursement application, noting only about $12,000 has been obligated so far and that FEMA technical issues — including a dispute over debris trailer fill rates — have delayed large‑project review and obligation.
Burke County has applied for roughly $11.4 million in FEMA public‑assistance reimbursements tied to the recent storm, but county officials told the Board of Commissioners Nov. 17 that only about $12,000 has been reimbursed to date.
County manager explained the federal public assistance process is complex and governed by lengthy guidance (the Public Assistance Guide). He said the county has completed much of the documentation but the application has encountered procedural obstacles including rotating FEMA local project managers and a specific dispute over whether debris trailers could be counted as 90% full — an interpretation that forced the county’s large‑project package back to a higher level of review.
The county identified Debris Tech as the monitoring company that documented quantities at temporary staging sites. Manager said some North Carolina counties accepted negotiated settlements from FEMA on similar issues, but Burke County has been advised to hold off on settlements while legal and technical teams work to resolve the trailer‑fill and utilization questions.
To date the county reports reimbursement in categories F and G and continues to pursue categories A and B (debris monitoring and emergency operations/staff time). Manager described ongoing coordination with state emergency management staff and congressional assistance from Congressman Moore’s office as part of the effort to resolve open questions.
The board received the update and voted to accept the manager’s report; no additional action was taken at the meeting.
