On April 7, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Chimney Rock, North Carolina, a small mountain town severely damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, to assure local officials he plans to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rather than dismantle it. Mullin’s visit marked his first official trip as the new DHS chief, where he discussed efforts to shift FEMA’s role from primary disaster responder to a funding coordinator supporting state and local governments.
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage in Chimney Rock, with 22.5 inches of rain devastating roughly half of the homes along the Rocky Broad River. The storm carried an estimated 1.2 million tons of sediment and debris into nearby Lake Lure, creating a 15-foot deep debris field. Recovery efforts remain ongoing 18 months after the storm, with FEMA still managing 22 open major disaster cases nationwide.
Mullin emphasized the need to expedite FEMA project approvals ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season, acknowledging the current backlog and slow progress in the region. He explained, “We’re trying to push this stuff forward as fast as possible … so we aren’t entering hurricane season behind.” He highlighted FEMA’s recent $26 million funding approval to buy out 75 high-risk homes in North Carolina as an initial step to help relocate families and support long-term flood mitigation efforts. However, thousands more cases remain unresolved.
Local leaders, including Republican Senator Ted Budd, participated in a discussion with Mullin about the extensive damage—summed in tens of millions of dollars—and the protracted recovery process complicated by bureaucratic hurdles and the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes. Budd praised Mullin’s decision to rescind a previous DHS memo that required onerous approvals on contracts and grants, calling it “leadership.”
Mullin rejected speculation about FEMA’s potential closure, referencing statements by former President Trump about reforming the agency rather than eliminating it. Mullin urged reducing federal bureaucracy to get disaster relief funds “closer to the state” to lower costs and speed delivery. He also indicated progress in appointing a permanent FEMA administrator but noted that Senate confirmation remains a challenge.
During the visit, Mullin toured the storm-ravaged area along the Rocky Broad River, witnessing ongoing rebuilding challenges, such as trailers still lining the riverbanks and flood-damaged homes. He met with Chimney Rock Fire Chief Chris Melton at the local fire department, promising to cover the cost to frame a tattered American flag recovered from floodwaters during rescue efforts—a symbol of the community’s resilience.
Why it matters
Mullin’s visit and commitments come as hurricane season approaches, highlighting the urgency of improving disaster response efficiency. With FEMA managing numerous pending disaster cases nationwide, reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and increasing local control could accelerate recovery for communities still struggling after major storms like Helene.
Background
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina with record rainfall and flooding, overwhelming infrastructure and displacing thousands. The storm’s impact underscored the challenges FEMA faces in mountainous, rural areas not built to withstand such disasters. Since then, federal, state, and local officials have grappled with complex recovery efforts amid funding delays and regulatory obstacles. The evolving FEMA reform agenda signals possible changes in how disaster aid is administered going forward.
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