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Archive: 2025
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  • April

    Contractors load waterway debris from the river near Azalea Park in Swannanoa North Carolina Feb. 1, 2025 where the waterway debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.

    Army Corps remains committed to North Carolina ecology in Helene debris mission

    The article highlights the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ongoing efforts to carefully remove debris from waterways across western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, while prioritizing environmental protection and ecological restoration. Using biodegradable hydraulic fluids, drone-assisted planning, and strict environmental standards, USACE and its contractors are working to restore damaged landscapes without causing further harm to sensitive habitats. The mission reflects a broader commitment to healing both communities and ecosystems through sustainable, science-driven practices.
  • Contractors working under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers clear storm debris from Hurricane Helene at the Boy Scouts of America's Camp Grimes in McDowell County, North Carolina, April 18, 2025. The removal effort is part of a FEMA-assigned mission to assist with private property debris removal. The work is helping prepare the 1,100-acre Boy Scout camp to reopen for summer programs.

    Camp Grimes comeback: How USACE contractors are powering recovery in McDowell County

    A FEMA-assigned debris removal mission led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping properties across McDowell County, N.C., recover from Hurricane Helene. Through a streamlined approach that combines outreach and execution under one contractor, nearly 1,000 private properties — including Camp Grimes, a major Boy Scout camp — have applied for critical cleanup support. The mission highlights how coordination, community trust, and timely action can accelerate disaster recovery.
  • Contractors supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remove sediment from Lake Lure and the Broad River to restore navigability in support of Hurricane Helene recovery operations in Western North Carolina, April 2, 2025. Using heavy equipment such as excavators and rock trucks, crews are creating a passable waterway for barges to access and remove submerged debris. This sediment removal effort is a key step toward restoring safe conditions for the local community and facilitating long-term recovery.

    USACE surpasses four million cubic yards of debris removed in Western North Carolina

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in support of the Hurricane Helene disaster response, has surpassed a major milestone — the removal of more than four million cubic yards of debris across Western North Carolina. This work is part of a larger mission contracted to clear an estimated 6.1 million cubic yards of debris from waterways, public rights of way, and eligible private properties across multiple impacted counties.
  • Daniel York (front right), George Triggs (back right), and Margaret Draughn (left), all real estate specialists deployed to Asheville, North Carolina for Hurricane Helene response efforts, review Right of Entry forms from private property owners requesting government assistance for debris removal, April 10, 2025. These forms are essential for determining eligibility, verifying ownership and access, and authorizing crews to safely enter private property to clear storm debris. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Michael Davis)

    Small team, big impact: Real Estate specialists vital to Hurricane Helene private property debris removal

    Behind the scenes of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hurricane Helene recovery mission in North Carolina, a small but vital team of real estate specialists is helping communities take the next step by processing Right of Entry (ROE) forms for debris removal from private property. Working long hours, Daniel York, Margaret Draughn, and George Triggs review ownership records, verify storm-related damage, and ensure safe site access—all while coordinating with contractors and adapting to complex documentation challenges. Their efforts, bolstered by a custom-built GIS dashboard, allow hundreds of property owners to receive timely cleanup assistance, moving them one step closer to rebuilding.