Full Notification

Reimbursement Form Now Open for NC State Private Road and Bridge Repair
The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB) was established to assist property owners across western North Carolina with damages from Helene. In accordance with The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, NC-PRB will prioritize repairs to private roads or bridges that: Are the sole access for emergency services to residential properties occupied by the property owner for over six months of the calendar year OR Provide access to multiple residential homes, recreation or commercial facilities. If you have incurred any individual costs to repair or replace your private road, bridge, culvert or pipe, and wish to seek partial reimbursement, or if you need assistance with the form, please contact [email protected] or call at 1-844-746-2326.

Hurricane Helene Resilience & Reflection Ceremony 9/27/25
McDowell County, in partnership with the City of Marion and the Town of Old Fort, invites the community to a Resilience and Reflection Ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene on Saturday, September 27th starting at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Old Fort Elementary located at 128 South Mauney Ave. in Old Fort. Join us as we honor the strength and resilience of our community, remember the lives forever changed, and look ahead with hope and unity.

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Interest Form Now Open
The McDowell County Soil and Water team is seeking assistance from the public to document damage to stream banks resulting from Tropical Storm Helene. This information will be reviewed for eligibility for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, which assists landowners with repairing stream bank damage that is threatening the safety of their property as a result of a natural disaster. This information will be used to assist in collecting consolidated impact information and will be provided to other State and Federal agencies as they assess the damage.  Visit www.mcdowellgov.com/helene and click on "Emergency Watershed Protection" to learn access the interest form.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Accepting Applications
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a valuable opportunity for McDowell County residents who experienced damage from Helene, especially those whose homes flooded. This program offers funding to help make homes more resilient against future disasters, including projects like elevating homes above the 100-year flood elevation to prevent repeat flooding. Participation is completely voluntary, and there is no cost to homeowners, as the program is fully funded by FEMA and the state. If your home flooded and you are interested in exploring ways to safeguard it from future events, we encourage you to consider applying for this program. Visit www.mcdowellgov.com/helene and click on "Hazard Mitigation" to learn more.