In response to concerns from property owners, environmental groups, and local stakeholders, Congressman Chuck Edwards has announced a new agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The agreement aims to enhance accountability and transparency in debris removal operations around rivers in Western North Carolina.
Over the past week, Congressman Edwards held two meetings with more than 30 local advocates and residents, including representatives from the Southern Environmental Law Firm and regional conservation groups. During these meetings, stakeholders expressed concerns about excessive debris removal, inadequate wildlife habitat protection, and poor communication with landowners.
“As local and federal partners work to restore our waterways after flooding from Helene, it’s essential that we balance public safety with private property rights and environmental integrity,” said Edwards. “After seeing firsthand how improper debris removal is impacting private property and unnecessarily disturbing wildlife habitats, my office has worked with FEMA and USACE to come up with an action plan to improve this process moving forward.”
The agreement outlines several key outcomes:
– County leadership will oversee all debris removal operations within their jurisdictions.
– Property owners are encouraged to mark areas of concern with a red flag.
– Flagged areas will remain undisturbed until consultation occurs between the property owner, county officials, and USACE.
– Final decisions by counties will consider both infrastructure protection needs downstream and respect for private property.
“The USACE and their subcontractors have worked diligently to restore our rivers and surrounding areas,” added Edwards. “My team will continue to assess the debris removal process and listen to community members’ concerns to improve precision on what is being removed.”
Details about FEMA’s upcoming efforts in Western North Carolina will be available on Thursday, June 5 at edwards.house.gov/debrisremoval. Constituents can contact George Minges at 502-443-5335 for information on ongoing debris removal activities.
