WOODFIN, N.C. (WLOS) -- Woodfin residents have received letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying that private property trees damaged during Hurricane Helene will not be removed, despite contractors saying they will be.
Officials in Woodfin tell News 13 that FEMA's original guidance indicated a tree damaged near town equipment would be covered.
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The guidance was that if more than half of a tree's crown were destroyed, FEMA would cover the cost of removal.
A contractor is saying FEMA, in the case of this tree, will only pay to remove limbs, claiming it's not a threat to property.
"We are hearing from residents that trees that had previously been tagged by some of the contractors, and now they're receiving letters saying that they are not approved for removal, and we don't really understand what the change in direction is," said Woodfin Town Manager Shannon Tuch.
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Homeowners are sending emails to the Town of Woodfin confirming they have received FEMA notifications denying their Private Property Debris Removal applications.
Woodfin plans to appeal the case with FEMA. The estimated cost is several thousand dollars.