The Ashe County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 17 to approve amendments to state-managed debris-removal contracts that increase unit prices for certain removal tasks, subject to FEMA confirmation that the increased rates are eligible for federal reimbursement.

Patty (county staff) told the board the state modified unit rates to reflect higher debris volumes across Western North Carolina and that the state has represented those modified rates as consistent with the original scope of work and eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Patty said she has asked the county’s FEMA project development manager to confirm reimbursement eligibility and recommended approval contingent on FEMA’s final determination; the board approved the amendments on that condition.

Patty also updated the board on Army Corps of Engineers work in county waterways. She said the county submitted 664 points for Corps evaluation; about 314 points were approved and the remainder were deemed ineligible. The county plans to prepare individual appeals for ineligible points. Patty briefed the board that contracted work on approved waterways was expected to start in two to three weeks and that contractors were beginning to stage equipment.

Why it matters: Contract-rate increases without confirmed FEMA reimbursement create short-term financial uncertainty for the county. County staff said the state’s representation is that the rates remain within FEMA-reimbursable bounds but that federal confirmation is pending. The Army Corps mobilization is expected to address some waterway obstructions declared eligible for federal repair.

Ending: The board approved the contract amendments contingent on FEMA reimbursement confirmation and directed staff to pursue appeals for Army Corps-ineligible points the county wishes to contest.