FEMA Homeowner Assistance to Repair Private Roads & Bridges

FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if the owner’s home is not damaged. These funds are available through the agency’s Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.

Individual Assistance Money for Permanent Repairs

Funds for permanent repairs to privately owned access routes are available through the FEMA Individual Assistance program. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

▪ A FEMA inspection determines repairs are necessary to provide drivable access to the primary residence.

▪ The homeowner is responsible (or shares responsibility with other homeowners) for maintaining the privately owned access route to their primary residence.

▪ The privately owned access route is the only way to reach the homeowner's primary residence; repair (or replacement) of a secondary route is necessary for practical use (for example, it is impossible to access the residence without a bridge or road); or the safety of the occupants or the residence would be adversely affected because state or local government emergency equipment (ambulances, firetrucks) cannot reach the residence.

Applicants should note that if they receive between $179 - $195 after reporting damage to FEMA, this money may be intended to pay a contractor to inspect and provide a repair estimate. After getting the estimate, they would need to file an appeal. Your FEMA letter will provide more details about any additional documents you need to submit.

The maximum amount a homeowner can receive through the Individual Assistance program for home repair and replacement is $42,500. However, homeowners in a community may combine any money received toward permanent repair costs. Individuals whose needs are not met by FEMA may be referred to voluntary agencies or longer-term recovery organizations that may have available resources. Homeowners may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan to permanently repair a private road or bridge through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Please note that FEMA’s Individual Assistance program benefits cannot be duplicated by other assistance provided for the same purpose, such as insurance payments

Next Steps

Should you want to apply:

• Make sure to submit a request for Individual Assistance with FEMA or at our Disaster Recovery Center (Blue Ridge Commons complex at 211 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville NC 28791). If you already have submitted a request, contact FEMA again about your private road or bridge damage.
• If you still need assistance with emergency access, there are several agencies that can construct temporary foot bridges.