The approved measures secure crucial funding and administrative support, with officials emphasizing that the costs are fully reimbursable by the federal and state governments.
Millions Secured for Debris Removal
Council passed two separate resolutions that allocate significant funds for the continuation of debris removal, a process that has been essential for the community's recovery.
Contract Amendment for Debris Removal: Council authorized an amendment to the existing contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, to include all prior and future spending under the contract. This action includes an associated budget amendment of $26,000,000.
Contract for Debris Monitoring: A second resolution approved a contract with CDR Maguire, Inc., for monitoring the debris removal recovery efforts, with an associated budget amendment of $4,000,000.
Both substantial amounts are slated to be reimbursed entirely through FEMA Public Assistance (FEMA-PA) and State of North Carolina funds.
Recovery Coordinator Jaime Matthews underscored the importance of the contracts, stating, "These contracts ensure that our community can continue recovering from Tropical Storm Helene by providing additional support for debris removal—with full reimbursement from FEMA and the State.”
Strengthening Disaster Grant Management
To ensure efficient oversight of federal recovery dollars, the Council approved a resolution to enhance the city's grant management capabilities.
CDBG-DR Grant Management System: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to amend a contract with Benevate LLC, dba Neighborly Software, to include new funding and modules specifically for Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant management.
Nikki Reid, Director of Community and Economic Development, highlighted the necessity of a strong system. “Having a reliable and robust grant management system in place allows the City to continue to deliver the high level of federal disaster fund management our community and recovery efforts require and deserve,” Reid commented.
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