Several counties in western North Carolina including Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga counties will receive federal assistance money from FEMA.

Public Information Officer with the Watauga County Fire Marshall’s Office, Brent Graybeal said the counties will receive the money after a federal disaster declaration for the winter storms and flooding that occurred from December 18-25.

Graybeal said the declaration will provide public assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities.

Graybeal explained that the North Carolina DOT will use the money for debris removal and infrastructure repair, utility companies for costs to restore services and local governments to repair disaster-damaged facilities and costs associated with debris removal.

Graybeal added that a declaration for assistance to individuals and households was not received.