Edwards releases report to fix FEMA, speed up Helene recovery in Western North Carolina

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today unveiled his report detailing recommendations to fix the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and accelerate Hurricane Helene recovery, which were submitted to the White House and the FEMA task force. Edwards was appointed to the task force by President Trump on Jan. 24, 2025 to speed up recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

Communities throughout Western North Carolina are continuing to rebuild after the worst natural disaster to ever hit this region made landfall on Sept. 27, 2024. Throughout the response and recovery process, Edwards witnessed the need to reform FEMA to improve its efficiency and effectiveness for survivors and local governments alike, from more consistent and clear communication to a more localized versus one-size-fits-all approach to disasters.

Edwards said, “After a productive meeting with White House senior officials, I am pleased to share with folks invested in the recovery of Hurricane Helene the recommendations that I have provided to President Trump and the FEMA task force to help our mountain folk recover more quickly.

“My recommendations take a WNC-centered approach to address the unique circumstances surrounding our rebuilding process, because typical disaster recovery options will not suffice.

“I’m confident that these recommendations will help our region gain momentum in recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and the FEMA task force in the next phase of the process, where we implement some of these recommendations.”

Read the full report here.