FEMA grants NC's request for aid extension into January

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted a request from the state of North Carolina that will extend its deadline to apply for federal hurricane relief into January.

FEMA announced that local governments, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations in 39 of North Carolina’s counties have until Jan. 7 to submit requests for assistance from the agency. It’s the first step for people to apply for federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene swept through the western portion of the state.

The agency said North Carolina requested the deadline extension for the designated areas after the disaster. Flooding from Helene tore through the state’s unprepared mountainous towns and killed more than 100 people.

FEMA’s programs provide states, tribal and local governments with grants to help them “quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.”

“These funds support the removal of debris, costs of emergency protective measures and restoration of public facilities, helping disaster survivors resume life in their communities,” FEMA said in its announcement.

Applicants can apply for assistance through the state and contact the North Carolina Emergency Management for more information.

In a statement on the social platform X, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said the support from FMEA has been “critical” after the storm.

“The support of our federal partners has been critical as we help folks affected by Helene build back from this storm,” Cooper’s post said. “Western North Carolina has a long recovery ahead, but we will be with them every step of the way.”

FEMA released data earlier this week that said it has already given more than $190 million in aid to individuals and households in North Carolina after Helene. An additional $189 million was given for debris removal and reimbursement of emergency protective measures within the state.

The Hill has reached out to FEMA and Cooper’s office for more information.