One Month After Hurricane Helene, Biden Administration Gives Update on Recovery Progress
Approximately 2,000 National Guardsmen are still deployed for Hurricane Helene response in seven states, as reported by The White House.
President Joe Biden recently spoke with elected officials from states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton to discuss their ongoing recovery efforts a month after Helene’s landfall.
These conversations followed a visit by White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall to North Carolina on October 26 to coordinate recovery efforts with Governor Roy Cooper, FEMA, and other partners. While the calls were not open to the press, the White House released a press release detailing the progress made by the federal government.
The White House confirmed on October 28 that nearly 5,000 federal personnel are still working in North Carolina and Florida in collaboration with state and local authorities. The Biden administration has approved over $2.1 billion in federal assistance for those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, with more than $1 billion allocated for individual and family aid.
An additional $1.1 billion has been designated for debris removal, emergency response, and support for first responders to ensure affected individuals have access to essentials like food, water, and shelter.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has offered over $51 million in disaster loan funding to survivors of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
FEMA has distributed more than 11 million meals and 9.6 million liters of water, with 65 disaster recovery centers open in the affected areas, including 21 in North Carolina.
North Carolina National Guardsmen have collaborated with guardsmen and active duty servicemembers from 15 states to carry out ground and air missions, delivering humanitarian aid and clearing roads.
President Biden commended active-duty service members and National Guardsmen in a virtual meeting on October 28 for their swift response following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
The Army Corps of Engineers has dedicated over 450 personnel across six states for debris removal, power restoration, infrastructure assessments, and ensuring safe waterways.
The White House emphasized that President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to supporting the Southeast and Appalachia regions throughout their recovery processes.
Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 storm, causing extensive damage in multiple states. Recovery efforts were disrupted by Hurricane Milton shortly after.
Florida’s debris removal efforts will receive full reimbursement for the next 90 days following Hurricane Milton, with Governor Ron DeSantis and state authorities facilitating clean-up operations.
Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy in affected areas, including the restoration of power and cell service to 99% of customers as of October 27.
The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in areas affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, extending the deadline for tax returns and payments until May 1, 2025.
