Where once were surging floodwaters, now elected representatives from both the federal and state level are pouring into Western North Carolina and Haywood County, touring damaged areas, talking to local officials about needs and thanking first responders for their service to their communities.  

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, with FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell in tow, continued his multi-day western swing today, making stops in Haywood County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene, to thank volunteers and to hear from local officials.

The head of FEMA, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, Republican Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke and Republican Haywood County Commission Chair Kevin Ensley flatly denied rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on social media alleging a lack of government response to the catastrophe left in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

The comments came during a Friday afternoon press conference at the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office. Cooper began by praising emergency response professionals who are on the ground and in the water rescuing people, but he also thanked volunteers aiding in the recovery.

Hospital staff work through communication disruptions, water system failures and their own storm-induced uncertainty to keep caring for patients. 

North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. 

Gov. Roy Cooper provided an update on the emergency response and recovery from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

He began by noting the approval of a major disaster declaration for 25 North Carolina counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

After twin tragedies in 2021 and 2023, the town of Canton still has a substantial list of ongoing projects in various stages of completion — in addition to the usual long-range planning initiatives most municipalities at some point undertake.

A proposed change to Macon County’s floodplain regulation has prompted outcry from the public and rippled across the county government. 

Pactiv Evergreen, owner of the shuttered papermill in Canton, has been working to clean up two separate seeps leaking toxic substances into the Pigeon River under an administrative order of consent (AOC) with the Environmental Protection Agency. 

An unexpected $8 million windfall from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has the potential to help community stakeholders make significant progress in the fight to bring more affordable housing to Haywood County.