From Staff Reports

LAKE LURE, N.C. —  Newly confirmed U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area of Western North Carolina on April 7 for his first official trip in the role. 

He was escorted through Lake Lure and Chimney Rock by FEMA agency officials, members of Congress, local leaders and first responders

The purpose of the visit was to assess the ongoing, slow-moving recovery efforts from the catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene 18 months earlier — on Sept. 27, 2024.

Mullin was confirmed as the new DHS secretary on March 23, replacing Kristi Noem, following criticism regarding the pace of Helene relief under her leadership.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, and Gov. Mark Stein, a Democrat, officially invited the new secretary on March 24 to witness the devastation firsthand and address the backlog of federal aid.

Mullin aimed to highlight storm relief efforts, speed up the recovery process, and address complaints from local officials regarding bureaucratic hurdles, such as delayed reimbursements that have stalled rebuilding projects.

During his visit to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, Mullin focused on reducing red tape, allowing local leaders to handle rebuilding with less federal oversight, and addressing a backlog of Hazard Mitigation Grant applications.

Ahead of his visit, FEMA, which is under DHS, approved more than $103 million in public assistance for rebuilding and $26 million for home buyouts, with the visit highlighting the need for further action.

Mullin visited Lake Lure’s Morse Park, surveyed the river debris, and met with local, state, and federal leaders — including Sen. Ted Budd, R-Davie County, N.C. — at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department. 

“There’s work to be done, and what do we learn? The one thing I do know is when we step back after an awful disaster like this, it also allows us to be more efficient,” Mullin said during his visit.

“I want to make sure the American people know that we’re still recovering. Being from Oklahoma, you deal with tornadoes and see the destruction. But I can’t imagine what this might be like 18 months ago.”

AI Overview added, “The visit was meant to signify that the recovery of Western North Carolina remains a priority for the DHS and the current presidential administration.” 

Mullin arrived at Morse Park in Lake Lure via helicopter and was briefed on the shore of the lake, which had recently been refilled after being cleared of massive amounts of silt and debris.

Mullin discussed plans to reform FEMA by clearing a backlog of grant applications and reducing “red tape” that has historically slowed reimbursements for local governments.

During the visit, Mullin offered to personally pay for the framing of a tattered American flag that had been recovered from the river during rescue operations. 

Meanwhile, Greenville, S.C., television station WYFF noted in an April 8 report the following: 

“Disaster relief funds have totaled $5.3 billion to date in North Carolina. Less than two weeks into Mullin’s leadership, $103 million has been added to the jar. Still, roughly 2,000 projects remain in limbo 18 months after Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

“A prolonged partial government shutdown has caused the funding for the department and FEMA to lapse as a result. Mullin said he would be committed to paying workers and staff up until the sixth pay period using provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Mullin also said the agency would work to address a backlog delaying funds further. Mullin, in response to a question about (President) Trump’s previous proposals to eliminate FEMA entirely, said the route he hopes to take is based on reform instead.

“‘There’s been some hiccups. We were able to get past them; we’re still working to get past them,’ WYFF quoted Mullin as saying.

“My great fear is if something is not done within the federal government, in coordination within the state, there will be another disaster where we will be without services for 14 days,” one member of the roundtable said, according to WYFF.

Leaders have suggested the federal government look into creating better access paths for storm-torn communities where vital infrastructure remains unaddressed, including roads, sewer and flood mitigation. This includes expanding public access to grants and disaster loan programs and creating a universal application process.

“We hope and pray that it’s not a 100-year storm. That is a thousand-year storm. And we don’t see another one like this in our life or our children’s lifetimes. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. You want to start as close to home as possible,” Senator Tedd Budd said.

In off-topic questions, Mullin was briefly asked what will happen to the remaining agencies he leads by association within the department if the shutdown continues. He told media the department would fund 22 agencies through regular appropriations, while two remaining agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would be funded through reconciliation over the course of three years.

Also, Mullin was asked what would happen with sanctuary cities and international airports. Mullin called the idea of sanctuary cities “not legal” and vowed to prioritize where Border Patrol and screenings are placed.