FEMA’s denial of a 180-day extension of the 100% cost share for Hurricane Helene costs eligible under the Stafford Act has been appealed.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein took the action on behalf of western North Carolina residents taking the brunt of the $60 billion in estimated damages. His letter on Friday, addressed to Dr. Melissa Forbes through Regional Administrator Robert Samaan, pointed out an extension of the cost share would be similar to FEMA actions following Hurricane Katrina (2005, Gulf Coast and particularly New Orleans); Hurricane Maria (2017, Puerto Rico and mid-Atlantic states); and Hurricane Ike (2008, Texas).
Stein wrote, “Failing to grant an extension would worsen the already severe economic hardships western North Carolinians are experiencing. Last year, the state had four state-declared disasters in counties that were also affected by Helene. Additionally, North Carolina was granted a major Stafford Act disaster declaration for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in October and emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Debby in August. The costs for responding to and recovering from those events are adding to our fiscal load.”
Stein requested that, failing a six-month extension, FEMA also request three months at a minimum.
“I have seen how much you care about the people of this region and know that you are committed to helping them rebuild their lives,” Stein wrote. “Please give them the tools they need to help their home region come back even better than before.”
Helene killed 107 and caused an estimated $60 billion damage.
The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Dekle Beach, Fla., on Sept. 26. It dissipated over the mountains of the state and Tennessee, dropping more than 30 inches in some places and over 24 consistently across more.
