FEMA announced a $2.2 billion public assistance distribution across 25 states to support 1,721 recovery projects tied to a recent winter storm and earlier disasters. Major allocations include more than $200 million to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene response, $114 million to Kentucky for debris removal, and sizable awards to Louisiana for coastal restoration and waterline repairs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem framed the move as an effort to "cut red tape" and accelerate recovery funding.
FEMA Rolls Out $2.2 Billion in Disaster Aid to 25 States, Aiming to 'Cut Red Tape'
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, left, listens to Matt Payne, right, director of response at FEMA, as the agency made preparations for last week's winter storm.(Fox News)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a $2.2 billion public assistance package to be distributed across 25 states. The agency says the funding will support 1,721 recovery projects tied to a recent widespread winter storm and to prior disasters, helping communities repair critical infrastructure and resume essential services.
The rollout follows a winter storm that swept from the Southwest to the Northeast, killed dozens of people and left hundreds of thousands without power. FEMA officials told Fox News Digital that the funds will be used for repairs to schools and other educational facilities, restoration of utilities and public safety infrastructure, debris removal and costs incurred during emergency responses.
Destroyed cars remain in a river after the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., in October 2024.
“This investment will repair and restore critical public infrastructure across the country, including schools, public safety facilities, utilities and community services,” Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “American communities are rebuilding stronger, and today’s approvals show this administration’s commitment to cutting red tape and getting recovery dollars out the door faster.”
The largest single allocation in the package goes to the North Carolina Emergency Management for Hurricane Helene-related needs: more than $200 million to provide temporary facilities and to mobilize base camps. Kentucky will receive over $114 million through its Division of Emergency Management to remove storm and flood debris and repair damaged infrastructure.
In Louisiana, the Office of Risk Management was awarded more than $84 million for the West Belle Pass Barrier Headland Restoration project and over $66 million for waterline replacement work in Grand Isle and Jefferson Parish tied to Hurricane Ida damage. FEMA sources described the announcement as an unusually large, targeted infusion of public assistance that will have an immediate impact on priority projects.
President Donald Trump has stood by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after she faced scrutiny over federal operations in Minneapolis.
Agency officials emphasized that these funds are part of FEMA's regular public assistance program but called this distribution notable for its size and speed. Sources said the awards are intended to accelerate recovery by removing administrative barriers and getting money to communities more quickly.
The announcement also touched on leadership and oversight at DHS: the story notes that Secretary Noem oversees multiple agencies within the department, including FEMA, and has previously suggested restructuring the agency. When reporters asked about her role amid scrutiny of DHS operations, former President Donald Trump expressed support for her.
FEMA will work with state and local partners to obligate the funds and begin project work, focusing on restoring services, rebuilding resilient infrastructure and helping affected communities recover as efficiently as possible.
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