Helene Debris Recovery Disposal Grant

The North Carolina Helene Debris Recovery Disposal Grant is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management, using funding provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Hazardous Waste Management State Program Support grant. The program is designed as a targeted disaster recovery initiative to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Its primary objective is to accelerate debris cleanup timelines and fund remaining solid waste removal activities that are not covered by other federal sources such as FEMA. The program also aims to reduce confusion or disputes regarding financial responsibility for cleanup activities, particularly in cases where responsible parties are unclear. The grant supports a range of solid waste management activities directly tied to hurricane recovery. Eligible uses include debris collection, storage, reduction, and final disposal of non-hazardous materials, provided those costs are not reimbursed through FEMA or other funding streams. Projects may include clearing debris from shorelines, floodplains, farmland, residential areas, compost sites, and public lands such as parks. The funding can also support equipment operation, maintenance, and rental when directly tied to debris removal activities. However, there are strict limitations on allowable expenses, including prohibitions on employee salaries, administrative overhead, utility costs, contracted cleanup services, and equipment purchases intended for long-term use beyond the project scope. This program does not require a cash match, although applicants must cover any costs exceeding the awarded amount or falling outside eligible expense categories. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to first incur and pay for expenses before requesting reimbursement. The Division of Waste Management reimburses up to 90 percent of the awarded funds during the project period, withholding the remaining 10 percent until a final report is submitted and approved. Projects may span one to three years, with all activities required to conclude no later than June 30, 2030. Eligibility is limited to local governments, including counties, municipalities, and councils of governments, as well as non-governmental organizations operating within counties that received a FEMA disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Helene. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage non-hazardous waste and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Federal agencies, state agencies, and institutions of higher education are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Only one proposal per eligible entity is allowed, although joint proposals between governments and NGOs are encouraged. Applications must be submitted electronically via email in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. The proposal must follow a detailed required format, including a comprehensive project description addressing need, scope, methods, environmental compliance, risks, and measurable benefits. Applicants must also provide a detailed project timeline, a line-item budget, organizational qualifications, and documentation of partnerships. Additional requirements include certification statements and compliance documentation. The application process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to consult program contacts prior to submission. Proposals are evaluated based on established criteria including demonstration of need, quality of planning, expected debris removal impact, cost effectiveness, and collaborative partnerships. Each criterion is scored, and funding decisions are made by a selection committee. Applicants can expect notification within approximately three months of submission. Successful applicants must complete additional administrative steps, including registration in federal systems, submission of compliance documents, and participation in monitoring and reporting activities. The application period for the first phase is open from June 15, 2026, through September 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The program may include additional phases depending on funding availability. There is no recurring cycle indicated, as this funding opportunity is tied specifically to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin early engagement with program contacts to strengthen their proposals and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Strongly align proposal with evaluation criteria including demonstration of need, planning quality, and cost effectiveness; provide detailed documentation and evidence; engage program contacts prior to submission