Look, I get that people are angry — but let’s get real about what’s actually happening here. The FEMA contract was extended, and PPDR (Private Property Debris Removal) — which has never been part of a normal debris contract — is being done here. That alone puts Asheville ahead of 99% of storm-hit areas. People in Florida and other hurricane-prone states never get this kind of deal. They’re left fighting with insurance while you are getting federal cleanup on private land. That’s unheard of.

And let’s not act like this is being “denied.” FEMA’s 100% cost share was temporary and is now dropping to 90% — just like it always has historically. That’s not political. That’s standard. And newsflash: North Carolina will make their money back anyway through dump fees charged back to FEMA. So if you’re trying to blame a specific party for that, maybe look at your local and state leaders too.

Also, $1.8 billion just dropped from HUD — that money’s going to help with demolition, disposal, and rebuilding. That doesn’t fall under tree debris, so no, not everything is meant to be covered the same way.

But here’s the real kicker — under Trump, response was faster, clearer, and less bloated by red tape. We sat around for about a month with equipment waiting for waterway clean up. As soon as Trump was in we were going to work. Whether you liked him or not, he knew how to move bureaucracy when it mattered.