North Raleigh Today

FEMA has approved a request from Governor Josh Stein to extend the application deadline for its Public Assistance program by 30 days. The new deadline is now set for April 7, 2025. This extension applies to state, tribal, and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations.

Governor Stein expressed his gratitude for the extension, stating: “I am grateful to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting our request to extend the deadline to apply for this critical program.” He emphasized the importance of these grants in aiding communities across North Carolina with debris removal and public facility restoration following Tropical Storm Helene. "I encourage city and county governments and non-profits to seize the moment and apply for these grants," he added.

This announcement follows last week's approval of a similar extension for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, which directly aids disaster survivors. The Public Assistance program offers reimbursement cost share funding aimed at helping eligible entities manage response and recovery costs linked to Tropical Storm Helene.

Eligible applicants include government units and non-profit organizations in several counties such as Alexander, Buncombe, Forsyth, Mecklenburg, among others, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These entities must have uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Helene to qualify for assistance.

Governor Stein recently visited Yancey County to meet with officials and residents affected by Hurricane Helene. In February, he requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds focused on infrastructure restoration, home repair support, and future disaster impact reduction. Additionally, he invited residents to contribute input on an Action Plan concerning $1.4 billion allocated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Interested parties can apply through FEMA's website at https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public. Disaster survivors seeking aid can visit www.disasterassistance.gov.