H47 - Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I. (SL 2025-2)

Session Year 2025

Overview: Subpart II-C of S.L. 2025-2 (House Bill 47) establishes the Private Road and Bridge Repair and Replacement Program (Program) within the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management (NCEM), to assist with the repair and replacement of private roads and bridges damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. NCEM is directed to consult with the Department of Transportation to administer the Program and develop criteria to prioritize the repair and replacement of private roads and bridges.

If a qualifying road or bridge is owned by a homeowners association (HOA), then NCEM must enter into a cost-share agreement with the HOA, covering no more than 50% of the engineering and construction costs. Any funds that the HOA pays towards the projects must be non-State dollars.

If a private road or bridge is repaired or replaced through the Program, the ownership or responsibility for maintenance or safety of the road or bridge shall not transfer to or be assumed by the State or local government.

NCEM is directed to take all reasonable steps to obtain federal assistance or alternative funds prior to obligating State funds for the Program if such federal assistance or alternative funds are available, and NCEM is directed to not duplicate repair efforts and benefits. Funds appropriated to NCEM for this program may be used for program costs associated with the repair of private roads and bridges, disbursement of grants to nonprofit organizations supporting bridge repairs, and to provide technical support and assistance for individual and local governments to comply with the no-rise certification requirements required by FEMA under the National Flood Insurance Program.

NCEM must report on the Program annually to the Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division beginning on June 30, 2025, and ending June 30, 2029.

This subpart became effective March 19, 2025.