Western North Carolina still rebuilding 18 months post-Helene, seeks funds
LAKE LURE, N.C. (WSPA) — The United States Secretary of Homeland Security was in western North Carolina Tuesday, highlighting DHS and FEMA relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Eighteen months later, areas are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Local, state, and federal leaders said the progress that’s been made is encouraging, but the rebuild is far from over.
Markwayne Mullin, the newly appointed United States Secretary of Homeland Security, arrived by helicopter to meet with local leaders, state representatives, and FEMA officials as they explored parts of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock before sitting down for a discussion.
“I have never seen anything like this, and I can’t even imagine what it looked like 18 months ago,” Mullin said.
Just two weeks into the role, he said this visit was his first trip, one encouraged by President Trump, citing the significant amount of work still ahead.
“He’s already helped to get this area of the state $134 million in public assistance,” said Senator Ted Budd, representing North Carolina’s 13th District.
Recounting stories of the storm is still emotional for residents.
“We had one plea after the storm, and that’s ‘Please help us,’” a community leader added.
Local leaders emphasized the need for additional funding, as state officials estimate North Carolina sustained around $60 billion in damage.
“Our wastewater collection and treatment system is on life support here,” said Lake Lure Mayor Pro Tem Dave DiOrio. “We need some investment there. The dam, though it was our hero, was set on bedrock. It really did its job, but a 100-year-old dam needs investment in order to keep it going.”
Federal leaders said they’re focused on a key question: What can be done better moving forward?
Governor Josh Stein was unable to attend the event, but noted that it is encouraging that Secretary Mullin visited the area within his first month of office.
“I am heartened to hear of FEMA’s approval of buyouts for 75 homeowners in Western North Carolina through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. I hope to see reduced backlogs and delays at FEMA under the Secretary’s leadership as we work together to deliver for Western N.C.”
Mullin said he’s reminding folks in the region that while the road to recovery may seem long, they have not been forgotten
