Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act

This bill, called the Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act, would let FEMA reimburse North Carolina state, tribal, and local governments for fixing private roads and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. It covers work to repair, replace, or restore private roads and bridges when they are the only way to reach people’s primary homes or key services, even if there were problems with the road or bridge before the storm. The damage must be from Helene, and the work can be paid back through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. FEMA will base payments on cost estimates from licensed engineers.

There are rules to prevent waste and delays. Local or state officials must inspect the site to confirm what’s needed and that the plan makes sense. Roads must stay open for disaster recovery while work is underway. Governments must document costs, get permission to do the work, and follow all state and federal rules. If a household already got FEMA Individuals and Households Program funds for these repairs, they can still use that money without it counting against their cap, or return it to have the work covered under this bill.

Key points

• Who is affected: North Carolina communities with private roads/bridges that are the only way to reach primary homes or essential services, damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.
• What changes: FEMA can reimburse governments for permanent repairs on private roads/bridges, even if there were pre-existing issues; costs are based on licensed engineer estimates.
• When: For damage tied to FEMA disaster declaration FEMA–4827–DR–NC for Tropical Storm Helene; prior household aid won’t count against caps if used for these repairs.