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Henderson County reports $26M shortfall, more than 1 million cubic yards of debris removed after Hurricane Helene
Summary
County staff told commissioners April 6 the recovery operation has removed more than 1,025,000 cubic yards of debris, but timing and FEMA policy changes have left the county with an estimated $26.9 million gap while reimbursements and obligated projects continue to be processed.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — County staff updated the Board of Commissioners on April 6 about ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, saying more than 1,025,143.4 cubic yards of debris have been removed countywide but reimbursement timing and FEMA policy shifts have left Henderson County with a large shortfall.
Recovery Director Natalia Pollard‑Santana and Public Safety Director Jimmy Brissie told the Board the county has received about $32 million in FEMA receipts to date but currently reports net expenditures of roughly $65.9 million, yielding a net deficit of about $26.9 million largely tied to debris removal and other disaster response costs. Pollard‑Santana said the county is pursuing multiple FEMA project cost amendments and has submitted hazard‑mitigation and buyout applications; 24 homeowner acquisition projects have been approved for hazard mitigation so far.
Staff said FEMA changed its review policy for private property and waterway debris in January, requiring NC SMART resubmissions that slowed approvals. SMART director Bob Barker provided an industry estimate that statewide debris costs could total about $1 billion and described inconsistent guidance from FEMA staff as a principal bottleneck in closing out debris packets. County Manager John Mitchell and recovery staff warned that a federal shutdown of DHS and FEMA operations has further delayed reviews and reimbursements.
The county also reported a list of FEMA‑obligated projects and pass‑through awards to volunteer fire departments and nonprofits and said several infrastructure hazard‑mitigation projects remain under review. Staff reported that temporary housing assistance has been extended by FEMA through Sept. 30, 2026, and that 839 building permits related to Helene recovery have been issued.
Board members asked for progress benchmarks and voiced concern about cash flow while reimbursements are pending. Brissie said staff continue to work on cost amendments to ensure full reimbursement for work completed and that hazard‑mitigation design work and grant applications remain in progress. The county will continue to brief the Board as FEMA decisions and grant awards are finalized.
The Board received the update; no additional action was taken at the April 6 meeting.
