FEMA is sending $137 million to western North Carolina for ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery and efforts to prevent future flood damage.
The largest share, about $34 million, will help the state buy 80 properties damaged by Helene, including some in Watauga County. Officials say the properties will then be converted to open space, keeping flood-prone land from being redeveloped.
Another $23 million will go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs related to the storm.
Avery County will receive $3.2 million to cover disaster management costs.
FEMA says the funding is intended to help communities rebuild while reducing the risk of damage from future storms.