Zeb Smathers, the mayor of Canton, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of federal buyout programs following Hurricane Helene: 'I'm numb, but I experienced this three years ago which allows us to ask some of the tougher questions.' He acknowledges a lack of interest from residents reluctant to leave their home despite the devastation.
Smathers highlighted the emotional ties residents have to their homes, explaining that the attachment to community combined with the lack of affordable housing options elsewhere will hinder the uptake of federal buyouts: 'Those factors will hobble programs designed to lessen personal and financial hardship.'
Reflecting on the scale of the damage, Smathers said, 'There was a western North Carolina that existed before this and there's the one that comes after.' This illustrates the deep emotional and physical impact of recurrent flooding in the region.
Local officials noted that while federal aid is available, many residents are hesitant to embrace buyout programs and may opt to stay, driven by personal connections to their properties and the community.
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