Helene Hazard Mitigation Application Submissions

Key Information

What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program?

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to the state and local governments to plan for and implement mitigation measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future natural disasters during the reconstruction process following a disaster.  When HMGP is approved as part of a disaster declaration, it is available to the entire state.  

The most common HMGP projects under Hurricane Helene to help homeowners includes acquisition or elevation of private property. All project types provided under HMGP are voluntary, meaning homeowners must sign up for assistance, but may decline the program at any time if they choose. There are also multiple project types supporting local governments, such as infrastructure, flood gauges and generators.  
 

Definitions

  • Awarded by FEMA: FEMA has approved a sub-application, and funding has been obligated so that the state can be reimbursed once approved work is completed.
  • FEMA Review: The application package is compiled and submitted, it then remains under FEMA review until it is awarded.
  • Contracting: FEMA approves the project, and a state contract is secured. 
  • In Progress: A kick-off meeting occurs, surveys are conducted, and offer is made. Demolition begins once the property owner accepts the offer. 
  • Project Completed: Depending on the project type outcome can vary. Acquisitions are complete when property is returned to green space. Elevations are complete when house is raised above flood levels with a supportive structure and inspections are finalized and homeowners are able to move back in. Generators are complete when the generator has been properly installed. As for Infrastructure projects when the scope of work for the specific project type has been met.  

Acquisition Projects

This program helps property and homeowners move on from a property that may have been unlikely to sell or have the ability to rebuild due to being located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year flood plain) and subjected to repetitive flooding.  
A homeowner may voluntarily submit an application to either their county or the state to have their home and property acquired by the government.  Property acquisition requests to a county are put into a sub-application and submitted to the state, and then to FEMA. FEMA reviews the sub-applications to verify all properties meet eligibility requirements for the program.  

Once FEMA approves a sub-application, the state is notified that reimbursement funding is available to complete the approved projects. Following FEMA's approval of the sub-application state or local funds are used to complete the project and at the conclusion of the project, reimbursement is obtained through FEMA. Properties acquired through HMGP are purchased at the approximate value of the property the day before the disaster. Once the homeowner accepts the state or local government’s offer for the property, a closing of the property is completed, similar to any real estate transaction. The state or local government will then demolish the home and clear the property, returning it to green space for perpetuity.   

This house was acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Program
This natural area is where a house once stood that had been repeatedly flooded.

These photos show the before and after of a property acquisition using funding from Hurricane Matthew. This property had been repeatedly flooded, and the owners took advantage of the Hazard Mitigation Program to get into a safer living situation while allowing the land to return to a natural state. It is a great example of the benefits of the program.

Tab/Accordion Items

County/CityNumber of PropertiesStatusDate Submitted to or Awarded by FEMAProject Status
Ashe County #13Awarded by FEMA3/2/2026In Progress 
Avery County #12313 of 23 Properties Awarded by FEMA3/4/2026In Progress for Awarded Properties 
Avery County #21Application Submitted to FEMA1/16/2026FEMA Review
Buncombe County #123Awarded by FEMA1/20/2026In Progress
Buncombe County #226 Awarded by FEMA7/24/2026In Progress
Buncombe County #3157142 of 157 Properties Awarded by FEMA5/11/2026Contracting for Awarded Properties
Buncombe County #47260 of 72 Properties Awarded by FEMA6/25/2026Contracting for Awarded Properties 
Burke County #113Awarded by FEMA3/4/2026In Progress
Burke County #24Application Submitted to FEMA 3/31/2026FEMA Review
Catawba County #11Awarded by FEMA1/14/2026In Progress
Chatham County1Application Submitted to FEMA 3/31/2026FEMA Review
City of Shelby1Application Submitted to FEMA4/14/2026FEMA Review
Columbus County #13Application Submitted to FEMA4/16/2026FEMA Review
Dare County3Application Submitted to FEMA 7/1/2026FEMA Review
Haywood County #125 Awarded by FEMA 5/11/2026Contracting 
Haywood County #2 19Application Submitted to FEMA 4/22/2026FEMA Review
Haywood County #325Application Submitted to FEMA 4/22/2026FEMA Review
Haywood County #419Application Submitted to FEMA4/22/2026FEMA Review
Henderson County #12824 of 28 Properties Awarded by FEMA1/20/2026In Progress for Awarded Properties 
Henderson County #23018 of 30 Properties Awarded by FEMA4/7/2026In Progress for Awarded Properties 
Henderson County #329Application Submitted to FEMA7/9/2025FEMA Review
Henderson County #411Application Submitted to FEMA2/9/2026FEMA Review
Jones County2Application Submitted to FEMA4/20/2026FEMA Review
Madison County #15 Awarded by FEMA5/11/2026In Progress
Madison County #28Awarded by FEMA1/16/2026Contracting 
McDowell County #133Application Submitted to FEMA7/30/2025FEMA Review
McDowell County #242Application Submitted to FEMA 4/21/2026FEMA Review
Mecklenburg County #119Application Submitted to FEMA10/2/2025FEMA Review
Mecklenburg County #28Application Submitted to FEMA4/14/2026FEMA Review
Mitchell County #19Awarded by FEMA5/11/2026In Progress
Pender County4Application Submitted to FEMA4/10/2026FEMA Review
Polk County #16 Awarded by FEMA7/24/2026In Progress 
Polk County #2 21of 2 Properties Awarded by FEMA3/31/2026Contracting for Property Awarded
Robeson County #12Application Submitted to FEMA4/9/2026FEMA Review
Robeson County #21Application Submitted to FEMA4/9/2026FEMA Review
Rutherford County #136Application Submitted to FEMA5/23/2025FEMA Review
Smithfield1Application Submitted to FEMA2/27/2026FEMA Review 
Town of Belhaven1Application Submitted to FEMA3/10/2026FEMA Review
Town of Bolton5Application Submitted to FEMA 2/4/2026FEMA Review
Town of Carrboro1Awarded by FEMA4/29/2026Contracting 
Town of Sandyfield1Application Submitted to FEMA1/16/2026FEMA Review
Transylvania County #111 Awarded by FEMA6/17/2026In Progress
Transylvania County #27Application Submitted to FEMA3/31/2026FEMA Review
Watauga County #197 of 9 Properties Awarded by FEMA3/4/2026In Progress
Wayne County 4Application Submitted to FEMA4/2/2026FEMA Review
Whiteville8Application Submitted to FEMA7/28/2026FEMA Review
Yancey County #18253 of 82 Properties Awarded by FEMA4/6/2026Contracting for Awarded Properties 
Yancey County #27Application Submitted to FEMA4/8/2026FEMA Review
NCEM Statewide Acquisition (includes properties from multiple counties) 37Application Submitted to FEMA8/14/2026FEMA Review

Elevation Projects

Just like the acquisition program, a homeowner must volunteer for the elevation program, and the same type of sub-application and FEMA approval process are followed.  By volunteering to have a home elevated, the homeowner is agreeing to have the home lifted so that when construction is complete, the height of the first floor of the home is a minimum of 2-feet above the mapped base flood elevation where their home sits.   

This type of project means that the framing of the house is separated from the original foundation, lifted high enough so that the old foundation is demolished and a new foundation is constructed at the new required height.  Once the foundation is completed, the home is set back down on the new foundation, and it will meet the state’s required height of the first floor being two (2) feet above the base flood elevation.   

Pressley Elevation

These homeowners went through the elevation process, and it helped keep their home safe from flooding.

There are many types of foundations that can be built for the house, and the program and construction contractors will go over these options for each homeowner once work begins.  

Once completed, any homeowner, current or future, of the property will be required to maintain a current National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance policy for the cost of construction or $250,000, whichever is less.   

A single-story house at ground level with a porch and door to the left and two windows to the right.
A single-story elevated house with a porch and door to the left and two windows to the right.
Tab/Accordion Items

City/CountyNumber of PropertiesApplication StatusDate Submitted to FEMA
Town of Clyde 13Submitted to FEMA17-Feb-26
Mecklenburg County  28Submitted to FEMA12-May-26
Buncombe County 53Submitted to FEMA18-May-26
Hyde County97Submitted to FEMA18-May-26
Pamlico Elevation67Submitted to FEMA2-Jun-26
Dare County40Submitted to FEMA9-Jun-26
NCEM Eastern NC Elevations119Submitted to FEMA16-Jun-26
NCEM Western NC Elevations49Submitted to FEMA16-Jun-26

Generator Projects

Large generator with maintenance doors.

Under HMGP a generator project is when a county or municipality seeks an industrial sized generator(s) to help operate emergency medical services, fire stations, emergency shelters, and other critical facilities. 

Tab/Accordion Items

City/CountyNumber of GeneratorsApplication StatusDate of Award or Application Submission Project Status After Awarded
Warrenton Generator2Awarded by FEMA14-Jan-26In contracting
Jackson County2Awarded by FEMA2-Mar-26In contracting
Ashe County6Submitted to FEMA7-Jan-26 
Black Mountain7Submitted to FEMA7-Jan-26 
Black Mountain8Submitted to FEMA7-Jan-26 
City of Marion7Submitted to FEMA7-Jan-26 
McDowell County 5Submitted to FEMA8-Jan-26 
Chimney Rock (Rutherford Co)4Submitted to FEMA8-Jan-26 
Henderson County7Submitted to FEMA11-Feb-26 
Polk County 11Submitted to FEMA11-Feb-26 
Hoke County 16Submitted to FEMA16-Feb-26 
Jonesville2Submitted to FEMA18-Feb-26 
Lee County1Submitted to FEMA18-Feb-26 
Town of Edenton2Submitted to FEMA26-Feb-26 
Spruce Pine4Submitted to FEMA10-Mar-26 
Swain County2Submitted to FEMA10-Mar-26 
Cherokee County3Submitted to FEMA13-Mar-26 
Gastonia2Submitted to FEMA13-Mar-26 
Martin County1Submitted to FEMA17-Mar-26 
Martin County1Submitted to FEMA20-Mar-26 
Lake Lure 6Submitted to FEMA20-Mar-26 
Bertie County1Submitted to FEMA24-Mar-26 
Old Fort5Submitted to FEMA25-Mar-26 
City of Asheville 13Submitted to FEMA14-Apr-26 
Dare County 4Submitted to FEMA22-Apr-26 

Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure projects are generally large scale and often include several individual mitigation activities like flood proofing, stream restoration, culvert replacement, water and wastewater system protective measures, and area wide water diversion measures to prevent flooding impacts.  These projects are typically focused on community-wide solutions and often support critical infrastructure facilities. 

All other project types submitted by the state and approved by FEMA under the HMGP are normally for local governments and they support long term resiliency in preparing for future natural disasters. 

Tab/Accordion Items

GranteeFEMA Application StatusDate Submitted to FEMAProject Description
Mecklenburg County Submitted to FEMA11-Mar-26Mecklenburg County Kings Branch Stream Restoration
City of GreenvilleSubmitted to FEMA12-Mar-26City of Greenville Trafalgar Drive Stream Restoration and culvert replacement
LumbertonSubmitted to FEMA16-Mar-26City of Lumberton (Lumberton Loop) Meadow Branch Flood Mitigation Project
Davidson CountySubmitted to FEMA17-Mar-26Davidson County DWI Yadkin River Stream Bank Restoration
HaywoodSubmitted to FEMA17-Mar-26Haywood County Central Haywood High School Acquisition
Hickory NE WWTFSubmitted to FEMA20-Mar-26Town of Hickory Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Stream Restoration
Statesville Culvert ReplacementSubmitted to FEMA20-Mar-26City of Statesville Culvert Replacement
Hickory - Snow Creek WWTPSubmitted to FEMA24-Mar-26Town of Hickory Snow Creek Pump Station Decommission and Relocation
Asheville - North Fork WTPSubmitted to FEMA25-Mar-26City of Asheville North Fork Potable Water System Utility Mitigation
Salisbury Rowan UtilitiesSubmitted to FEMA25-Mar-26Town of Salisbury Rowan Utilities SRU Pump Station Construction
FayettevilleSubmitted to FEMA26-Mar-26City of Fayetteville Wayland Drive Flood Mitigation Project
Lake LureSubmitted to FEMA27-Mar-26Town of Lake Lure Wastewater Treatment Plant- Construct new plant outside the SFHA
City of LenoirSubmitted to FEMA31-Mar-26City of Lenoir Wastewater Infrastructure Project-Relocation of the Septage Receiving Basin and construction of a new Flow Equalization Basin
Burke County Indian HillsSubmitted to FEMA2-Apr-26Burke County Indian Hills- Relocating and elevating the Indian Hills Pump Station
Burke County Drowning CreekSubmitted to FEMA2-Apr-26Burke County Drowning Creek Streambank Restoration
Gastonia Duharts CreekSubmitted to FEMA2-Apr-26City of Gastonia Duharts Creek Streambank Restoration
North Asheville DrainageSubmitted to FEMA6-Apr-26City of Asheville Drainage Flood Risk Reduction
Mount PleasantSubmitted to FEMA7-Apr-26Town of Mount Pleasant Downtown Stormwater Mitigation and Utility Duck Bank Project
Salisbury Mahaley BranchSubmitted to FEMA10-Apr-26Town of Salisbury Mahaley Branch Corridor Restoration
Gastonia South Fork Raw WaterSubmitted to FEMA14-Apr-26City of Gastonia South Fork Resiliant Upgrades for South Fork Raw Water Pump Stations
Bladenboro Drainage Submitted to FEMA15-Apr-26Town of Bladenboro Downtown Drainage Project- Build Flood Barriers and Drainage Improvements
Greenville East Fire Tower RdSubmitted to FEMA15-Apr-26City of Greenville Stream Restoration Project at East Fire Tower Road
Greenville St. Andrews DriveSubmitted to FEMA15-Apr-26City of Greenville St. Andrews Drive Critical Infrastructure Protection and Stream Restoration
Gastonia Storm Ready GridSubmitted to FEMA15-Apr-26City of Gastonia Storm Ready Power Grid for Water and Wastewater Resilience
Woodfin Weaverville MitigationSubmitted to FEMA15-Apr-26Town of Woodfin Weaverville Road Corridor Flood Mitigation 
Nashville Stoney CreekSubmitted to FEMA16-Apr-26Town of Nashville Stoney Creek New Sewer Outfall Line Installation Project
Tryon Critical WaterlinesSubmitted to FEMA16-Apr-26Town of Tryon Critical Waterlines Relocation Project
Wrightsville Beach HeadwallSubmitted to FEMA17-Apr-26City of Wrightsville Beach Headwall Construction Project
Tabor City 4th Street DrainageSubmitted to FEMA17-Apr-26Tabor City 4th Street Drainage Improvements Project
River Bend Water SystemSubmitted to FEMA17-Apr-26Town of River Bend Water System Relocation Project
Whiteville Mollie's BranchSubmitted to FEMA17-Apr-26City of Whiteville Mollie's Branch Restoration and Infrastructure Improvements
WaxhawSubmitted to FEMA17-Apr-26Town of Waxhaw Twelve-Mile Creek Restoration Project
AydenSubmitted to FEMA18-Apr-26Town of Ayden Snow Hill Road Area Drainage Mitigation Project
Dare - RodantheSubmitted to FEMA18-Apr-26Dare County Rodanthe Shoreline Erosion Mitigation Project
Elizabeth CitySubmitted to FEMA18-Apr-26Elizabeth City Tiber Creek Flooding Reduction Project
NewtonSubmitted to FEMA18-Apr-26City of Newton Hwy 10 Substation Relocation Project
PittsboroSubmitted to FEMA18-Apr-26Town of Pittsboro Culvert Replacement Project
GriftonSubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26Town of Grifton Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project
Dare - Southern ShoresSubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26Southern Shores and Duck NC Hwy 12 Stormwater Management Project
Hillsborough RiverSubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26Town of Hillsborough River Pumping Station Relocation Project
Hillsborough Water SupplySubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26Town of Hillsborough Resilient Regional Water Supply Project
FairmontSubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26Town of Fairmont Happy Hill and North Walnut Street Pump Station Relocation
Hendersonville Wash CreekSubmitted to FEMA19-Apr-26City of Hendersonville Wash Creek Stormwater Improvements
Jacksonville Submitted to FEMA19-Apr-26City of Jacksonville Scales Creek Watershed Resiliency Initiative
Hyde County Swan QuarterSubmitted to FEMA20-Apr-26Hyde County Swan Quarter Flood Water Mitigation Project
Jonesville Upper YadkinSubmitted to FEMA20-Apr-26City of Jonesville Upper Yadkin River Flood Plain Initiative
Graham Travora St StormwaterSubmitted to FEMA20-Apr-26City of Graham Travora Street Stormwater Mitigation Project
Dunn Juniper Creek Storm WaterSubmitted to FEMA21-Apr-26City of Dunn Juniper Creek Stormwater Mitigation Improvements
Banner Elk Elkmont PumpSubmitted to FEMA22-Apr-26Town of Banner Elk Elkmont Pump Station Relocation
Beaufort Waterfront FloodSubmitted to FEMA22-Apr-26Town of Beaufort Waterfront Flood Reduction & Resilience Project
Banner Elk Main Sewer OutfallSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Town of Banner Elk Main Sewer Outfall Construction
Craven Maple Cypress Aerial Submitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Craven County Maple Cypress Aerial Water Main Relocation
Haywood Landslide Risk ReductionSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Haywood County Landslide Risk Reduction Project
Henderson Landslide Slope StabilizationSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Henderson County Landslide Slope Stabilization Project
Kannapolis Second Creek Pump Submitted to FEMA24-Apr-26City of Kannapolis Second Creek Pump Station Relocation and Restoration
Kinston Akin BranchSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26City of Kinston Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project
Nash Highway 97 OutfallSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Nash County Hwy 97 Outfall Rehabilitation Project 
Pamlico Bay River SewerSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Pamlico County Bay River Sewer District-Spray Field Upgrade & Oriental WWTP Mitigation
Black Mountain Water INFSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Town of Black Mountain Water Infrastructure Resiliency Project
Edenton Pump StationSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Town of Edenton Pump Station Mitigation Project
Henderson AdventHealth Submitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Henderson County Advent Health Building Envelope Resiliency Project
Roanoke Rapids Belmont Pump StationSubmitted to FEMA24-Apr-26Roanoke Rapids Belmont Pump Station Improvement Project
Fairmont WWTFSubmitted to FEMA1-May-26Town of Fairmont Wastewater Treatment Facility Access Road Improvements
Tyrell CountySubmitted to FEMA12-May-26Tyrell County Columbia Bridge Street Drainage Project
Fayetteville Russell-PersonSubmitted to FEMA12-May-26City of Fayetteville Russell-Person Flood Reduction Project
Hendersonville Mills RiverSubmitted to FEMA12-May-26City of Hendersonville Hills River Intake Resiliency Improvements
Southport Bonnets CreekSubmitted to FEMA20-May-26City of Southport Bonnets Creek Flood Reduction Project
Wendell Flood MitigationSubmitted to FEMA20-May-26Town of Wendell Stormwater Flood Mitigation Project
Hendersonville Water SystemSubmitted to FEMA20-May-26City of Hendersonville Water System Resiliency Looping Project
Haywood Old Armory Submitted to FEMA26-May-26Haywood County Old Armory Water & Sewer Resiliency Project 
Hendersonville Water SupplySubmitted to FEMA26-May-26City of Hendersonville Water Supply Reservoir Improvements
Hendersonville Sewer Pump StaSubmitted to FEMA26-May-26City of Hendersonville Sewer Pump Station Resiliency Improvements
Leland S Navassa Rd Pump StaSubmitted to FEMA26-May-26Town of Leland South Navassa Road Pump Station Relocation Project
Navassa Culvert MitigationSubmitted to FEMA26-May-26Town of Navassa Culvert Resilience and Flood Mitigation Project 
Sandyfield Storm WaterSubmitted to FEMA27-May-26Town of Sandyfield Multijurisdictional Rural Stormwater Mitigation Project
White Lake WastewaterSubmitted to FEMA27-May-26Town of White Lake Sewer Basin Relocation and Treatment Upgrades
Spencer 17th Street StormSubmitted to FEMA27-May-26Town of Spencer 17th Street Stormwater Improvements
Taylorsville Flood MitigationSubmitted to FEMA27-May-26Town of Taylorsville Improvements to Critical Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure 
Randleman WastewaterSubmitted to FEMA29-May-26City of Randleman Wastewater Bypass Pump Project
Statesville Holland DriveSubmitted to FEMA29-May-26City of Statesville Holland Drive Culvert and Streambank Rehabilitation Project
Caldwell County BoosterSubmitted to FEMA29-May-26Caldwell County Booster Station Elevation Project
Farmville Fields St DrainageSubmitted to FEMA2-Jun-26Town of Farmville Fields Street Drainage Project
Washington WW MCRSubmitted to FEMA2-Jun-26City of Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Control Room Flood Mitigation Project
Dare Roanoke Island Submitted to FEMA6-Jul-26Dare County Roanoke Island Stormwater Improvements Project 
Harnett County RiversideSubmitted to FEMA15-Jul-26 
Asheville French Broad PlanSubmitted to FEMA15-Jul-26City of Asheville Flood Mitigation French Broad Riverfront Recovery Project
Asheville Azalea ParkSubmitted to FEMA15-Jul-26City of Asheville Swannanoa, Azelea Road Park Flood Reduction Project
Dare County Roanoke IslandSubmitted to FEMA15-Jul-26