Streamlining Private Property Debris Removal in Western North Carolina After Tropical Storm Helene

Challenge

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Western North Carolina was devastated and unprepared to face the extensive debris removal required for thousands of private properties across dozens of impacted counties.

Solution

We collaborated with JBW Federal, USACE Wilmington District, and FEMA to develop a private property debris removal program—creating an intake form website and GIS dashboard and supporting a massive community outreach campaign.

Impact

Our team worked both virtually and on-site to develop vital program infrastructure—ultimately helping process more than 2,500 right-of-entry applications that trailblazed a more efficient and streamlined path forward for post-Helene debris removal.

The Challenge

In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, leaving residents with debris-strewn private properties and no clear way forward to recovery.

After months with minimal progress on debris removal post-Helene, it was clear that a new system was needed to help residents reclaim their properties from fallen trees, trash, and other storm debris. Together with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District and JBW Federal, Kimley-Horn embarked on an on-site, rapid response mission to leverage GIS technology and public engagement for an innovative private property debris removal (PPDR) process.

Our Solution

Kimley-Horn deployed a team of multidisciplinary partners to McDowell County in Western NC—this group helped JBW Federal submit a debris assessment proposal and go through a right-of-entry application process to manage the overall Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program and lead community engagement.

Our team was operational less than seven days after our contract was signed—working strategically to set up an intake center website, in-person support space, cloud-based data storage system, and community engagement plan. Beyond program management, we also staffed the intake center, called residents, reached out to media outlets, and organized community outreach events.

Additionally, Kimley-Horn developed a GIS-based platform that tracked PPDR applications and streamlined the approval process. This platform was used as a field application by JBW Federal’s private property debris assessors, who inspected properties to identify, photograph, and quantify debris types and locations. After careful review of the applications and assessment reports, Kimley-Horn created PPDR packets for County approval and ultimately submitted them to USACE through an online portal. This platform and process, initially developed in McDowell County, was later used in Ashe, Alleghany, and Gaston Counties.

The Impact

Across nearly five months, our team processed more than 2,500 right-of-entry permits across four counties, which reignited stalled debris removal and assisted residents in beginning the journey back to recovering their land and homes.

With more than 1,400 applications processed in McDowell County alone, the team witnessed rapid results—with some applicants receiving debris removal services even before the application window for the County closed. Due to the effort’s efficiency and success, USACE plans to use our GIS programming and communication plans to inform other projects moving forward.

With our project team’s proactive approach, strategic teamwork, and technical skills, we took part in walking with our Western North Carolina neighbors through a tragedy—helping them take a first step of hope and healing after Helene.

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