WASHINGTON, DC — March 27, 2025 — Six months since Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to Western North Carolina, this week more than a dozen local leaders representing the WNC Recovery & Resilience Partnership traveled to Washington D.C., for meetings with senior leaders from FEMA, the White House, and Capitol Hill to elevate the region’s ongoing recovery and long-term resilience needs.
The WNC Recovery & Resilience Partnership, supported by the American Flood Coalition (AFC), is a regionally led effort to secure financial support, resources, and policy improvements that aid in Helene recovery and better prepare the state for future disasters.
“As we mark six months of response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, it is critical that we continue to make our voices heard at every level of government,” said AFC Carolinas Director Tony McEwen. “By uplifting perspectives of local leaders from across the region, we have a major opportunity to help Western North Carolina recover with greater resilience, and to build a faster, more effective federal system that better serves all communities in the wake of major disasters.”
During their visit, local leaders met with Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, and participated in a North Carolina Congressional Delegation Roundtable co-hosted by Representatives Chuck Edwards and Tim Moore. All four leaders have been recognized by AFC as Federal Champions for their leadership on finding solutions to challenges posed by flooding.
“We’re grateful for the resources we’ve received so far from the North Carolina General Assembly and the White House,” said Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie. “We’re here to make sure we continue to get resources into the pockets of those who need it most, while also finding ways to better prepare for disasters in the future.”
Partnership members also met with FEMA leadership, as well as with members of the Trump Administration at the White House.
During meetings, elected leaders shared their communities’ recovery experiences, while outlining collective priorities for the region’s recovery and long-term resilience. Shared Partnership priorities include efforts to expedite delivery of federal recovery resources, repairing critical public infrastructure, and integrating long-term resilience strategies.
Leaders from the following communities were in D.C.: Avery County, Buncombe County, Haywood County, Madison County, City of Asheville, Town of Banner Elk, Town of Black Mountain, Town of Canton, Town of Chimney Rock, Town of Hot Springs, Town of Lake Lure, Town of Marshall, and Carolina Land & Lakes Resource Conservation & Development.
About the American Flood Coalition
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. The Coalition advances solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. AFC has over 470 members across 22 states, as well as 52 Federal Champions. For more on the organization’s work or how to become a member, visit floodcoalition.org.
