FEMA-Approved $575k Reimbursement in DOGE Review: NC Emergency Management

Overview of the “Defend the Spend” Program and FEMA Reimbursements

A North Carolina Emergency Management spokesperson has confirmed that a program called “Defend the Spend,” part of the Department of Government Efficiency, is involved in the review process for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved reimbursements for cities and counties affected by Hurricane Helene. This comes as local officials and residents continue to face delays in receiving much-needed funds.

News 13 has been reviewing a spreadsheet provided by Senator Ted Budd’s office, which lists over 250 projects, including those approved by FEMA across western North Carolina. According to the report, these projects are “obligated” or approved for reimbursement but have not yet been distributed to the respective municipalities. The total amount of these funds is $64 million, which FEMA recently approved and announced.

Concerns Over Bureaucratic Delays

Local leaders have raised concerns about the slow pace of the reimbursement process. News 13 previously reported on an unfunded reimbursement for Madison County related to the replacement of a communications tower. The project, costing $575,734, was listed as “obligated” or approved by FEMA on August 9. However, county officials, including Chairman Matt Wechtel and Manager Rod Honeycutt, said they were certain that the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) had received the funds from FEMA but had not yet disbursed them.

Honeycutt explained that the county reviews each worksheet every Monday during virtual meetings with FEMA and state officials. He noted that the funds have been with the state government for just over three weeks.

However, Justin Graney, a North Carolina Emergency Management spokesman, clarified that the funds are not yet accessible. In an email, he stated that the $575,734 obligation to Madison County is currently going through the “Defend the Spend” process. Once the funds are transferred to the state government, the state will make the payment to Madison County.

Graney also explained the term “obligated,” which is used by FEMA and other officials when referring to approved reimbursements. He emphasized that “obligated does not mean that the funds are accessible by the State yet.” After being obligated, the state must provide several pieces of information to the federal government, and a 30-day hold begins for additional requests from the Department of Government Efficiency. The process between obligation and the ability to draw down on reimbursement funds can take 30-90 days.

Local Leaders Push for Faster Action

Four local leaders—Madison County Commission Chairman Matt Wechtel, Lake Lure Mayor Susan Pritchett, Haywood County Commission Vice Chair Brandon Rogers, and Waynesville council member Anthony Sutton—are part of a delegation scheduled to meet with North Carolina’s Senate and Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. Their meetings include discussions with Senator Ted Budd, Senator Thom Tillis, Congressman Chuck Edwards, and Congressman Tim Moore.

Pritchett highlighted the urgency of replacing the dam in Lake Lure, which she described as a 100-year-old concrete structure that is leaking. She estimated the cost of replacement at between $150 and $200 million. Pritchett expressed concerns about the potential for flooding, especially given the region’s seismic activity.

“We’re going to be talking to the head of public assistance for FEMA and their process and how to expedite that process,” Pritchett said.

Senator Ted Budd has been vocal about the need for faster reimbursements. During a recent conversation with News 13, he urged for the quick release of approved funds. “Let’s get the money that’s been approved out the door as of yesterday, this morning,” Budd said. “Let’s make sure it gets into these towns’ accounts because they’re already in some cases millions of dollars behind and let’s get it in their accounts so they can pay their bills.”

Calls for Additional Federal Aid

Governor Roy Cooper has requested $13.5 billion in new federal disaster aid for western North Carolina, reflecting the growing financial strain on local governments. Wechtel noted that the costs are coming due faster than the county’s fund balance can cover them.

As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on expediting the reimbursement process and ensuring that communities receive the support they need to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.