Assistance for Helene debris removal from private property in North Carolina may be made available through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
What is FEMA doing to expedite debris removal?
FEMA has determined that Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Commercial Property Debris Removal (CPDR) are in the public interest and has waived several requirements in the following counties: Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Policy waivers include:
- Private Road Debris: For debris clearance on private roads, FEMA will include removal and disposal during the initial pass as necessary to ensure emergency access on public and private roads. FEMA will also allow an initial pass for debris removal of commercial and private property debris placed on the Right of Way (ROW) for private roads, including in gated communities. One completed Right of Entry form will be required for each gated community. The work is still required to be performed by an eligible applicant.
- Commercial ROW Debris: FEMA approved one pass to remove incident-related commercial debris placed on the public ROW. Once the initial pass is completed, commercial debris cannot be co-mingled with other eligible debris placed on the public or private ROW. Additional passes may be authorized by the federal coordinating officer based on extraordinary circumstances.
- Hand-Loaded Trucks: FEMA has approved vegetative debris in hand-loaded trucks and trailers, including trucks without solid tailgates and may fund up to a maximum of 90% of certified capacity.
- Vehicles and Vessels: Abandoned vehicles or vessels may be removed to clear the ROW.
- Slabs and Foundations: Failure to remove slabs and foundations during demolition may threaten the economic recovery of the community. Therefore, removal of slabs and foundations (from residential and limited commercial structures) as demolition debris may be eligible.
Why is Right of Way (ROW) debris removal a priority?
Typically, the ROW is a piece of land immediately adjacent to a roadway, electric transmission lines and oil and gas pipelines. The ROW is reserved for potential maintenance or for future expansion needs. Clearing and opening ROW routes can support reconstruction of homes/facilities and often allows survivors to simply return home.
What should residents do with debris on their property?
If possible, residents should push debris generated by Tropical Storm Helene into the Right of Way to help crews get as much debris picked up as they can ahead of winter weather. Residents who need additional help moving debris should call their local emergency management office for potential help from voluntary organizations.
Will FEMA reimburse for debris removal from waterways?
Debris from waterways that is necessary to eliminate an immediate threat to life, public health and safety or improved property may be eligible for removal. Removal of debris in a waterway that does not meet this criterion is ineligible, even if the debris is deposited by the incident. City or county officials will work with North Carolina Emergency Management to facilitate discussions with FEMA and state staff to discuss possible removal.
Can FEMA help with the procurement process?
Yes. FEMA’s Procurement Disaster Assistance Team is deployed in North Carolina to assist local city and county officials and North Carolina Emergency Management to help Public Assistance applicants. FEMA also provides regular trainings. For a list of upcoming trainings, visit Procurement Under Grants Training | FEMA.gov.
Do counties need to follow the state and federal procurement process if they do not use the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)?
Yes. Counties must still follow state and federal procurement requirements…