United States Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin is set to visit western North Carolina on Tuesday, WXII reports.
He's expected to participate in multiple events highlighting the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA's disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Florence.
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Mullin's visit comes after FEMA announced $26 million to buy homes in Henderson, Polk and Yancey counties that were permanently damaged by flooding.
"After a disaster, homeowners are often still required to pay mortgages, property taxes and other expenses on their homes even if they are unlivable," a release from FEMA stated. "By buying the properties from the homeowners, state and local officials lessen the financial burden on these survivors and ensure that the community is more resilient to future flood damage."
The visit will include several stops in the Asheville area and conclude with a roundtable discussion.
Mullin will be joined by other representatives such as U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, U.S. Rep. Chuch Edwards, and U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, and FEMA Administrator Karen Evans.