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FEMA tells Newland officials how to request debris removal, assistance and mitigation support
Summary
FEMA representatives briefed Newland's board on individual assistance registrations (3,607 in Avery County), the Disaster Recovery Center location, SBA options and Army Corps debris removal procedures and urged use of WebEOC to request private-property waterway debris removal.
FEMA representatives attended the Newland meeting to update the board on disaster-recovery resources and next steps.
Catherine Anderson, FEMA intergovernmental affairs, said Avery County had 3,607 FEMA registrations and $553,811 in Individual Household Program funds paid out so far; she noted a disaster recovery center is set up at Mayland College and encouraged residents who have applied but not heard back to visit the center so staff can review their applications.
Ronnie Warren, a FEMA division supervisor, explained debris-removal procedures and mitigation options. He told the board the Army Corps of Engineers can remove debris from private-property waterways if property owners sign a right-of-entry and the request is entered into WebEOC so evaluators and engineers can queue the work. "If you don't request the Army Corps of Engineers to remove debris off private property, it's just gonna move back onto your property," he said, urging local officials to make requests through the proper channels.
Warren also emphasized mitigation planning, including addressing repetitive flood loss and wildfire fuel loads, and described SBA programs and limits for disaster loans. He gave household assistance figures and said FEMA estimates the individual assistance process for Avery County is about 87% complete but encouraged residents to meet the application deadline.
What happens next: FEMA staff will remain a contact for local officials and the Disaster Recovery Center will continue to accept registrations and assist residents with application status. Board members were advised to use WebEOC to request debris removal and to coordinate right-of-entry with private-property owners where needed.
Provenance: FEMA remarks and guidance appear in the transcript beginning with Catherine Anderson at SEG 866 and Ronnie Warren's remarks through SEG 1068.
