Debris Removal:
Watauga County’s NCDOT Right of Way Debris Removal Ending March 2nd, 2025.
In preparation to move to Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal programs, Watauga County’s NCDOT Right-of-Way debris removal will end March 2nd, 2025. At that time, citizens will no longer be allowed to dump storm debris (vegetative or construction/demolition) into the NCDOT Right-of-Way as that was a special waiver of local and State ordinances for storm related debris disposal. Individuals placing debris into the NCDOT Right-of-Way after March 2nd may be subject to applicable State and local ordinances. Watauga County understands there may be remedial vegetation and C&D debris remaining after March 2nd and the County will work with vendors to pick up any remaining debris. The Watauga County Transfer Station continues to accept vegetation and construction materials as part of their normal operations and fee schedule. Please send any remaining right-of-way debris concerns to Helene.Debris@watgov.org and those will be addressed by the County’s debris removal contractor.
Storm Debris After Helene: Private and Commercial Business Property Debris Removal
Private property and commercial business owners in Watauga County impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, have a free option for debris removal.
Private and Commercial Business Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Demolition Owners who cannot take their private or commercial business property debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property through the Private and Commercial Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures on both private and commercial business properties.
For more information and how to apply visit our Watauga County PPDR Webpage.
The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB)
The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB) was launched to assist property owners across western North Carolina with damages from Tropical Storm Helene. In accordance with The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I, NC-PRB will:
- Prioritize repairs to private roads/bridges that are the sole access for emergency services to residential properties occupied by the property owner for over six months of the calendar year.
- Prioritize repairs to roads/bridges providing access to multiple residential homes, recreation or commercial facilities.
How to Get Started
If you have a private road, culvert, pipe, or bridge that was damaged or destroyed following Tropical Storm Helene and you are located in an eligible county, please fill out the NC-PRB Interest Form.
Need Assistance?
If you need assistance with the form or have general questions about the NC Private Roads and Bridges Program, please contact ncemprb@ncdps.gov.
For media inquiries, please contact ncempio@ncdps.gov.
If you are a disaster survivor that needs resources, assistance, or guidance, please contact the NC Disaster Case Management Program at 1-844-746-2326 or visit https://www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.
EPA and Well Testing Information:
https://www.apphealthcare.com/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/
FEMA Locations:
Disaster Recovery Center will be open 8 am to 6 pm weekdays and 9 am to 2 pm Saturdays. All DRCs are now closed Sundays.
The Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector
Boone, NC 28607
Building Permits
Building permits are required for repairing damage due to Hurricane Helene. However, all fees are waived for permits due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The fees are waived through December 31, 2024. It’s our goal to ensure all repairs are safe and secure for you and your family. We also have information in our office regarding using contractors during this time and protecting yourself from unscrupulous contractors who often may take advantage of homeowners during this time. Our office is located at 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite 201, Boone, NC 28607, or you may reach us at 828-265-8043 and P&I@watgov.org.
Our office has attempted to make a preliminary survey of the county for damage assessment. If you have damage as a result of the storm and haven’t met with someone from our office or know that your home has been visited, please feel free to contact our office. Our interest in documenting damage is only to provide a windshield view of damage to our county.
If your home has been posted with an “UNSAFE” or “RESTRICTED” sign and you have any questions, again please feel free to contact our office.
To report a found hazmat container please use this link:
IA Signup for Assistance
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Disaster Energy Assistance Available
Click Here for more information regarding Disaster Energy Assistance.