Helene Recovery: New NC Congressman Sets Funding Push

Congressman-elect Jamie Ager stated that securing stalled funding for Hurricane Helene recovery will be his primary focus upon arriving in Washington in January. He outlined this priority during an interview at his farm in Fairview, North Carolina, days after defeating a longtime Republican incumbent to win the seat.

Ager, a Democrat with a background in agriculture and business, said more than two years have passed since the storm devastated parts of the region. He noted that many communities continue to struggle with the aftermath. Specifically, he pointed to delays in federal money that leave local entities waiting for reimbursement.

The financial strain extends to small towns that are spending limited local resources on recovery efforts. Ager described a situation where municipalities deplete their cash reserves to address immediate needs while waiting for federal funds to arrive. He emphasized that these small governments have few other sources of revenue to cover these costs.

"Small towns not getting reimbursed and having their budgets depleted and their cash depleted from their small towns, limited amounts of funds and resources to go do things when you spend it all on Helene," Ager said.

Businesses face similar challenges. Ager argued that lengthy delays in receiving assistance make it difficult for struggling companies to maintain operations. He highlighted the pressure of payroll deadlines when federal support is slow to materialize.

"You can't wait a year to make payroll whenever you're struggling," Ager said.

To address these issues, Ager is assembling a transition committee that will include members from various counties across western North Carolina. The group will analyze specific data regarding local needs and compile a list of requirements. This process aims to provide concrete figures to guide his legislative efforts.

Ager acknowledged that the challenge involves both securing new appropriations and ensuring existing funds are distributed effectively. He noted that some money has already been appropriated but has not reached the communities that need it. He plans to make Helene recovery a central topic in his initial conversations with other lawmakers.

"To me, that's all we're going to be talking about to start with," Ager said.

He described the response from colleagues who reached out following his election victory as encouraging. Ager said he intends to leverage his entrepreneurial experience to advocate for the region. He stated that he is prepared to push for the necessary resources to help residents who feel overlooked in the recovery process.

"It feels like a very warm reception of that idea. People seem like they want to help. And so, we're just going to go up there with a good, strong plan and go fight for it," Ager said.

Ager emphasized that representing the needs of western North Carolina is the first part of his job description, regardless of political affiliation. He said the current approach is in its early stages as his team continues to identify local needs. He will be sworn into office in January to officially begin his term in Congress.