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After arriving via helicopter, the speaker describes the devastation in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area, emphasizing the long road to rebuilding. People are traveling from Florida, Michigan, and the Northeast to provide help and supplies. Volunteers are coming from South Carolina, Eastern North Carolina, and Georgia. The speaker notes the expense of rebuilding and points out damage to the Chimney Rock Inn. They describe how the mountains funnel water, creating a "raging, torn wall of water" that acts like a bulldozer, carrying rock, mud, trees, houses, and buildings. The immediate needs include help building the road back, a large retaining wall, reopening the park, and repairing the road. While they have chainsaws and water, they need structures. The speaker expresses gratitude for the support and emphasizes the community's strength despite the setback.

We are committed to rebuilding as quickly as possible. There are concerns about an 18-month wait to start, but that won't happen. It's essential to clean up hazardous waste first, but if someone is rebuilding their home, the process should be expedited. We need federal assistance to ensure there are no permit delays; permits are already in place. Homeowners are understandably anxious to begin removing debris and starting the rebuilding process immediately. It's crucial to clarify what constitutes hazardous waste, but we must allow homeowners to start working on their properties right away.

We are now committed to working collaboratively with the legislature, state agencies, and the federal government. This partnership has shifted from being adversarial to cooperative. We are focusing on leveraging support through a memorandum of understanding, which enhances our commitments to vegetation and forest management, as well as prescribed burns. This effort aligns with the Biden administration's resources to advance our shared goals. Overall, we are embracing a new framework for collaboration.

The federal government will cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge in Baltimore. The focus is on supporting the people and reopening the port. The speaker sends blessings to those affected and praises first responders. They plan to visit Baltimore quickly. While the ship company may be held responsible, the government will pay for repairs upfront to expedite the process.

Two years ago, Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida. Initially, it was expected that rebuilding the Sanibel Causeway would take three years. However, with the help of top contractors, the governor had it rebuilt in just a month by actively seeking recommendations and implementing them quickly. This efficient governance contrasts sharply with experiences in states like California, where high taxes and poor services are common. Florida benefits from no income tax, clean roads, and fewer homeless individuals. The belief is that government should focus on state and local issues, while the federal government should handle specific responsibilities like border security and interstate commerce, aligning with the founders' vision for governance.

Permits are a significant issue; even if multiple permits are needed, one delay can halt progress. We aim to expedite the process by slashing regulations and bringing city departments together to help residents rebuild quickly. Clearing debris is a priority, especially with potential rain approaching. Residents are willing to clean their own properties, which could speed up recovery. Individuals can use their emergency powers to act swiftly. While we hope to allow access within a week, many feel this is too long, as they want to start working on their lots immediately. The community is ready to move forward, but the permitting process is a major obstacle.

Santa Cruz County in California has experienced seven federally declared disasters since 2017, spending $250 million on repairs with 150 projects still unaddressed. County officials say the cash flow issue has been severe. Santa Cruz is among communities nationwide anticipating delays in federal support due to FEMA's disaster relief fund depletion. FEMA has paused at least 650 projects to maintain essential operations and prioritize funding for ongoing disaster needs. County officials state that hearing FEMA is freezing new expenditures is devastating to recovery efforts.

The president and First Lady Melania Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss recovery efforts in areas affected by recent disasters. They emphasized the need for federal support and collaboration to address the significant damage, comparing the situation to wartime devastation. Both leaders expressed confidence in working together to ensure a speedy recovery and to prevent future incidents. They acknowledged the impact on lives and property and committed to taking necessary actions for restoration. The discussion highlighted the importance of federal assistance and cooperation between state and federal officials.

The biggest problem after the hurricane is being unable to move; roads are blocked, and people are trapped. There's a lot of looting, so people should stay safe and keep a weapon if they have one, because people are intentionally sabotaging things. Truckers coming in with supplies on I-40 had their tires slashed while they were resting at a truck stop. Nothing was stolen, just vandalized. The same thing is happening all over. There is also looting in all the stores. The speaker will provide another update in 5 or 6 hours.

We're uniting city departments to streamline the rebuilding process, allowing residents to start clearing debris quickly. Both city and county are collaborating to expedite this. Concerns about timelines persist, with some residents expressing frustration over potential delays. Many are willing to clear their own properties to avoid waiting for contractors, which could take much longer. Emergency powers are in place to facilitate quick action, and individuals can begin cleanup immediately. Safety is a priority, but residents feel they should be allowed back sooner to access their properties. The community is eager to return and start rebuilding, as many feel their homes are no longer at risk.

The Trump administration is approving over $1 billion in federal funding for rebuilding in Western North Carolina. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing the grant to aid in rebuilding homes after Hurricane Helene. The governor's office states that this type of grant usually focuses on long-term rebuilding plans, not immediate shelter needs. The next step involves the state gaining financial control of the funds from HUD, enabling the state to sign the grant and start distributing the money.

The federal government will cover the full cost of rebuilding the bridge in Baltimore. Congress is expected to back this plan. It will be a lengthy process, but we will support the people of Baltimore until the port is operational again and the bridge is reconstructed.

We're uniting city departments to streamline the rebuilding process, allowing residents to access necessary services in one location. Clearing debris is our top priority, and we’re working quickly, especially with potential rain approaching. Residents are eager to help clear their properties themselves, which could expedite the process significantly compared to waiting for contractors. Emergency powers are in place to facilitate this, and individuals can start clearing their lots immediately. While safety is paramount, many feel they should be allowed to return to their properties sooner, as the danger has passed. The community is frustrated by delays and the lengthy permit process, with some estimates suggesting it could take eighteen months. Residents want to reclaim their homes and start rebuilding as soon as possible.

I'm committed to giving you more than any president before. We will streamline the permitting process; just coordinate with your state officials. The federal government is usually slower, but you already have the necessary permits. Brad, focus on getting those permits quickly. I plan to appoint Rick to represent me as we decide on the best approach, whether an individual or a commission. A strong individual is often more effective than a commission, which can get bogged down. It was an honor to meet your firefighters and police; they are brave and well-respected. I look forward to returning and supporting your cleanup efforts starting tomorrow at noon. Thank you all for your hard work.

We're mobilizing the Army Corps of Engineers to address urgent needs like fixing riverbanks and roads. I've instructed my team to prepare them for action. It's unclear why progress was slow under the previous administration, but we are now moving forward. In the last couple of days, we've made significant strides, and I assure you that we will provide the necessary resources and support throughout the rebuilding process. No American will be left behind.

Hi, Virginia. Thank you for the warm welcome despite the cold. I'm grateful for the support from North Carolina and committed to helping the state. I plan to visit Los Angeles to address their water issues, but first, I'm here in North Carolina. I want to express disappointment in FEMA, but I’m eager to work with the new governor and local congressmen, especially Michael Watley, to ensure everything goes smoothly. Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse have done incredible work, and I appreciate their efforts. Let’s take a look around and say a few words. Thank you all for your support.

Hello, everyone. We just left North Carolina, where significant progress is being made with the Army Corps of Engineers. The area has been severely impacted, and we're here to address the damage. I appreciate the governor's support as we work towards recovery. This situation is unprecedented, reminiscent of post-World War II devastation. We aim to implement permanent solutions to prevent future occurrences. The governor and I are committed to collaborating closely, as federal assistance will be crucial for recovery. I have full confidence that we can work together effectively. Thank you all for being here, and some of you will join us on the tour.

I spent the day with the US Army Corps of Engineers, who are ramping up debris removal efforts in Western North Carolina following an executive order from President Trump. They are coordinating with state and FEMA to mobilize resources quickly. In Swannanoa and Asheville, crews from across the country, including Wisconsin, are actively working. A local landowner noted a significant increase in activity after weeks of inactivity. He was surprised to see extensive equipment in the river, which he believes would have taken years and millions of dollars to achieve without this initiative. The community is relieved to see the cleanup of rivers and creeks, which have been in disarray, and the effort is expected to continue to grow.

It's an honor to be here during such a sad time. Many homeowners I met want to rebuild and expressed their love for the area and its community. We recently visited North Carolina, which faced a similar disaster from flooding, and the damage was severe. Here, the resilience of the people is inspiring, and the fire department is impressive, with high physical standards. We took pictures together, and they even gave us helmets, which are quite heavy. I want to thank everyone for their efforts. Your governor and I had a positive discussion about working together to address the challenges ahead. The devastation is more extensive than I anticipated, even after seeing it on television.

Last week, I appointed Bob Fenton, a top emergency manager, to lead the long-term recovery efforts on Maui. He has been on the ground since before the fires started and will ensure that the community receives all the support the federal government can provide to heal and rebuild quickly. I will receive a virtual report from him on Maui after this meeting. Our goal is to restore the island to its previous state, but even better.

We will continue returning until everything is fully rebuilt. It's a challenging journey, but we are committed to rebuilding better than before.

Biden has committed to a 180-day, 100% match on recovery funds, raising questions about how this can be guaranteed with only 10 days left in his administration. This practice is common among administrations to address immediate needs after major disasters. The president has the legal authority to allocate these funds for recovery efforts. It's important to recognize the catastrophic impact on affected communities and ensure that the federal government does everything possible to support their recovery journey.

They have obligated some funds, but only distributed 2%. The speaker suggests visiting the affected area and talking to the people on the ground instead of relying on politicians' words. Almost two weeks after the storm, people had not been provided the resources they desperately needed. Thirteen days after the storm, people were still being rescued and were stuck in higher elevations because the roads were down. They need every available resource and all hands on deck. The rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing.

We're organizing a Marshall Plan to rebuild California, focusing on inclusivity for all affected communities. Discussions are underway with city leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, nonprofits, and labor leaders to coordinate recovery efforts. We're exploring philanthropy for recovery, seeking federal assistance for both the Olympics and rebuilding efforts, and galvanizing community support. Our goal is to efficiently address the scale of this tragedy through streamlined project delivery, improved building codes, and permitting processes. This approach aims to ensure resilience in our rebuilding efforts.

I signed executive directives to cut red tape and expedite rebuilding efforts. There's a misconception that homeowners will have to wait 18 months to start; that won't be the case. We need to ensure hazardous waste is managed, but if someone is rebuilding their home similarly, the process should be streamlined. We absolutely need federal support to facilitate this. Homeowners are eager to begin, and I understand their frustration about delays. We will allow them to start the cleanup process immediately. It's essential to define hazardous waste clearly, but we won't let that hinder progress. The goal is to get people back on their properties and moving forward as quickly as possible.