Pat Brand
389 Country
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Governor Josh Stein’s request to extend the deadline for state, tribal, and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to apply for its Public Assistance program. The new deadline is now set for April 7, 2025, providing additional time for communities recovering from Tropical Storm Helene to secure federal aid.
The FEMA Public Assistance program offers reimbursement funding to help offset costs related to debris removal, infrastructure restoration, and other recovery efforts following the storm. Eligible applicants include government entities and non-profits in 41 North Carolina counties—such as Alexander, Buncombe, Mecklenburg, and Yancey—as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, provided they have uninsured losses from the disaster.
This extension follows FEMA’s approval last week of a 30-day extension for the Individual Assistance Program, which directly supports disaster survivors. The latest decision aims to bolster recovery efforts across the state, where public facilities and local resources have been heavily strained by the storm’s aftermath.
Governor Stein has been actively engaged in the recovery process, including a recent visit to Yancey County to meet with affected residents and local leaders. In February, he also requested an additional $19 billion in federal funding to rebuild infrastructure, support home repairs, and enhance resilience against future disasters. Additionally, he has encouraged public input on an Action Plan to allocate $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Eligible governments and non-profits can apply for assistance at fema.gov/assistance/public, while individuals seeking aid can visit disasterassistance.gov. The extended deadline reflects ongoing efforts to ensure North Carolina communities have the resources needed to recover and rebuild.
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