If the past is any indication, federal funding shortages will likely impede recovery efforts for the people of Western North Carolina who were battered by remnants of Hurricane Helene. Financial shortfalls have repeatedly forced FEMA to put ongoing disaster recovery projects — including some related to hurricanes Florence and Matthew — on hold over the past two decades. Ten times since 2003, the agency has run so low on money that it has implemented what’s called “Immediate Needs Funding,” which means that it keeps its focus on the latest disasters and puts continuing projects on hold.
It’s happening largely because FEMA has been stretched thin by new responsibilities and a dramatic increase in severe natural disasters. During the first 10 months of this year alone, 24 disasters have occurred in the U.S.
with losses exceeding $1 billion, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. That’s roughly three times the average annual number since 1980. On top of that, the agency’s staff is overextended.
And with a new presidential administration set to take over in January, budget cuts may be coming too. That worries Steve Little. As mayor of the McDowell County town of Marion, about 35 miles east of Asheville, he knows many people in his county will still need help next year — and the year after that.
On a gravel road northwest of Marion, eight of 12 houses were washed away by Helene, he said. Dozens of McDowell County residents still live in t.
