BURKE COUNTY, NC – In a continued effort to support recovery following Hurricane Helene, the Burke County Board of Commissioners has directed county leadership to seek assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address waterway and private property debris cleanup. This decision was made during the Commissioners’ Pre-Agenda Meeting on March 3, 2025, following an update on hurricane recovery efforts presented by County Manager Brian Epley.
With right-of-way debris removal nearing completion, the next phase of the recovery process will focus on restoring local waterways and addressing storm-related impacts on private properties. While specific details on the scope and timeline of this work are still being developed, Burke County Emergency Management, in coordination with the County Manager, has officially submitted the necessary paperwork to initiate assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The USACE plays a critical role in disaster recovery by providing technical expertise, engineering solutions, and debris removal services to help communities rebuild after significant storms. Their support includes clearing waterways of fallen trees and storm debris, restoring natural drainage systems, mitigating potential flood risks, and assisting property owners with cleanup efforts in areas significantly impacted by the disaster. Burke County officials anticipate further updates soon, and residents are encouraged to stay
informed through official county channels for additional details. For ongoing updates and additional information, please visit www.burkenc.org/helene or contact the Burke County Emergency Management Office.