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119-hr-760119th CongressWALLET

Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act

Sponsored By: Representative Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would expand FEMA reimbursement for private roads and bridges that serve as the sole access to homes or essential services after Tropical Storm Helene. It allows North Carolina state, Tribal, and local governments covered by FEMA‑4827‑DR‑NC to seek payment under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for eligible repairs, replacements, or restorations.

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  • Residents and households: Private roads or bridges that are the only way to reach a primary residence or essential community service and were significantly damaged by Tropical Storm Helene can be rebuilt with federal reimbursement, subject to inspection and documentation.
  • State, Tribal, and local governments: These governments can request payments for work they perform if they inspect damage, document costs per FEMA policy, obtain permission to do the permanent work, and keep routes open for recovery.
  • Cost and eligibility rules: Repairs must be based on certified cost estimates from mutually agreed licensed engineers, and accepted estimates are presumed reasonable unless fraud is found. The bill also clarifies how prior Section 408 assistance affects eligibility and maximums.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More FEMA help for private roads

This bill would let State, Tribal, and local governments in FEMA-4827-DR-NC get FEMA reimbursement to fix private roads and bridges. Eligible roads or bridges must be the only access to a primary home or to essential community services. Damage must be significant and directly caused by Tropical Storm Helene and listed in FEMA-4827-DR-NC. Reimbursement can't duplicate repairs already completed. Governments must inspect sites, document costs, get permission to do permanent work, and keep routes open for recovery. Costs must be based on engineer-prepared, certified estimates that FEMA accepts unless there is fraud. If you already got Section 408 help for the same repair, you can keep it or return it so this provision pays instead. If enacted, it would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 1/28/2025

  • Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/28/2025

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 2/5/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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