Several counties in western North Carolina including Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga counties will receive federal assistance money from FEMA after a federal disaster declaration for the winter storms and flooding that occurred December 18-25. The DOT will use the money for debris removal and infrastructure repair, utility companies for costs to restore services and local governments to repair disaster-damaged facilities and costs associated with debris removal. This declaration will also provide public assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities.