Western North Carolina’s most populous county lost residents last year after more than two decades of steady growth.

The announcement comes a day before newly-confirmed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is scheduled to visit the area.

The program already lacks enough funding to help all eligible applicants. Money for temporary housing is causing further delays.

Most of the money is for debris removal and road repair.

The project is already in the federal government’s pipeline. The big question now is how local governments will fund their part of it.

Homelessness has increased by 9% over the last year, according to an annual survey conducted in mid-February.

If the request is fully funded, state lawmakers will have spent more than $3 billion on storm recovery.

All winter, local nonprofits have been cleaning debris, planting trees, and restoring streambanks across 11 counties hurt by Hurricane Helene.

Policy makers believe these hubs, which “saved the day” during Hurricane Helene by providing access to clean water, satellite internet and other resources, are deserving of public investment.

Newly-confirmed DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin told senators the policy was “micromanaging.”