News

Edwards announces $166 million in FEMA aid

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 1, 2026

U.S. Chuck Edwards last week announced the release of $165.9 million in FEMA reimbursement funds to support North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and Covid-19 emergency measures.

Funding secured for the 11th Congressional District includes: 

• $1,135,211 to Henderson County Hospital Corp. (UNC Health Pardee) for emergency protective measures at Pardee Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• $4,607,775 to the NCDOT for road repairs to Pearson Falls Road in Polk County.
• $1,916,520 to Madison County to reimburse emergency response efforts, including shelters, infrastructure repairs, and essential services during Hurricane Helene.
• $5,326,298 to Buncombe County to cover repairs to the county’s sewage system and other emergency protective measures.
• $1,239,259 to the town of Old Fort to repair a water line.
• $20,358,749 to the NC Department of Transportation for road and highway repairs in Buncombe, Mitchell, and Avery counties.
• $13,275,253 to Mitchell County for debris removal.
• $5,600,601 to the city of Asheville to repair the North Fork Water treatment plant.

In coordination with other members of the North Carolina delegation, Edwards engaged directly with White House officials, FEMA, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, urging senior federal leaders to expedite FEMA’s reimbursement process and prioritize Western North Carolina’s recovery. Additionally, Edwards met with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to ensure that public assistance reimbursements are promptly released.

These efforts were instrumental in advancing the release of these dollars and ensuring they are delivered back to Western North Carolina’s families, small businesses, and communities. 

“When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, our communities didn’t hesitate — they stepped up immediately to protect lives, clear debris, and restore essential services,” Edwards said.“But FEMA’s bureaucracy slowed parts of that recovery. I worked with federal and state leaders to cut through the red tape and make sure these reimbursement funds are delivered to the people back home who have already shouldered the cost.”