In response to increasing 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 ongoing debris removal operations around Western North Carolina’s rivers.
Congressman Edwards and his staff recently held two meetings with over 30 local advocates and residents, including representatives from the Southern Environmental Law Firm and regional conservation groups. During these meetings, participants expressed concerns about excessive debris removal, inadequate wildlife habitat protection, and insufficient 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.”
Property owners are advised to mark areas of concern with a red flag. These flagged areas will remain undisturbed until consultation occurs between the property owner, the county, and USACE. Final decisions will be made by counties based on protecting downstream infrastructure while respecting private property.
“The USACE and their subcontractors have worked diligently to restore our rivers and surrounding areas, and my team will continue to assess the debris removal process and listen to the concerns of community members to improve precision on what is being removed,” Edwards added.
Information regarding FEMA’s and USACE’s upcoming debris removal efforts in Western North Carolina will be available on Thursday, June 5 at edwards.house.gov/debrisremoval. Constituents can also contact George Minges, USACE lead debris subject matter expert, at 502-443-5335 for details on when and where debris is being removed.
