Hurricane Helene Information

As of December 19, the Town has signed task orders for the culvert replacement project and the first 3 major road repair projects. These task orders authorize our engineering firms to begin geotechnical surveying of all damages.  Without this step, we don’t know the true degree of damage we are expecting to repair. Additionally, after appealing FEMA’s original denial, the Town has successfully been obligated the money we spent on the emergency culvert replacement at the entrance to Country Ridge (Davis Mountain Road/Azaela Ridge). This isn’t a large dollar amount, though every penny helps when it comes to millions of dollars! The Laurel Park team is continuing to explore additional funding sources including borrowing and grant options.

At the regular Town Council meeting on November 18th Town Manager Reeves provided an update on the financial aspect of our hurricane-related projects. The biggest takeaway from her presentation is the fantastic news regarding the payback terms of the $3.2 million dollars the Town of Laurel Park has received through the State Treasurer’s Cashflow Loan Program. Instead of having to pay this full amount back by June 30, 2030, Laurel Park is now able to recycle this money until the final declination of FEMA coverage or reimbursement or receipt of FEMA reimbursement funds. This opportunity would not have been possible without the help and support of state and local leaders such as the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives Destin Hall (and his excellent staff), State Representative Jennifer Balkcom, and former State Representative Chuck McGrady.