ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards is actively advocating for federal funds to assist with recovery efforts in western North Carolina after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Speaking with News 13, Edwards emphasized the urgent need for financial support to rebuild private roads and bridges that were destroyed during the disaster.

Edwards, along with his colleagues from North Carolina’s Congressional and Senate delegations, has introduced the Private Roads and Bridges Bill, aiming to secure millions in federal aid. This initiative would provide essential funding to help homeowners reconstruct their private infrastructure, which is critical for daily access to their homes.

Private Roads Make Up Nearly Half of Western NC’s Infrastructure
In western North Carolina, private roads account for nearly 50% of all roads, making the damage from Hurricane Helene even more severe. The storm wiped out over 7,000 private roads, bridges, and culverts, leaving many residents struggling to rebuild.

While some homeowners have received Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) checks, these payments often fall short of covering the actual repair costs. Edwards highlighted the rigid federal guidelines that limit FEMA’s ability to provide disaster funds for private roads, a long-standing issue that has now become a major concern.

“FEMA has just never had the flexibility to use disaster funds for private roads and bridges,” said Edwards. “The language in the federal regulations is tricky.”

Bringing Federal Funds to Private Road Recovery
The Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act, proposed by Edwards, seeks to change this policy. If passed, the bill would allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and local governments to receive FEMA reimbursements for repairs to private roads and bridges. The funding would come from a $180 billion federal supplemental aid package already approved by Congress, which includes disaster recovery funds for Hurricane Helene.

“This bill would make it very clear that, in this situation, we are allowing people to rebuild so they can have access to their homes,” Edwards explained.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has led to widespread destruction, with the latest reports confirming a death toll of 105 across the state, including one new fatality in Buncombe County. The state has also made corrections to the casualty numbers for two other counties, underscoring the ongoing impact of the disaster.

No Clear Timeline for Congressional Approval
Despite the urgency, Edwards did not provide a specific timeline for when the Private Roads and Bridges Bill might pass through Congress. However, he remains committed to pushing for its approval to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are allocated to assist those affected.

The bill, if passed, would mark a significant policy shift in federal disaster relief efforts, setting a precedent for funding repairs on privately owned infrastructure. This could benefit not only North Carolina but also other states facing similar challenges in future disasters.

As the legislation moves forward, residents and officials in western North Carolina remain hopeful that relief will come soon, enabling them to rebuild their lives and restore vital access to their homes.

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