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Hurricane Helene Base Camps Cost More than $500K Each Day in Western NC: State Auditor
The auditor said 55 camps averaged about $516,593 a day, and recommended better tracking of disaster costs for future emergency contracts.
On Tuesday, North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek released a report finding that 55 emergency base camps established after Hurricane Helene cost more than $111 million over seven months.
North Carolina Emergency Management contracted Texas-based SLSCO Ltd. to operate the camps under pre-set agreements; billing was based on anticipated capacity rather than actual usage.
According to the audit, a single bed cost approximately $800 per night, individual meals averaged $41.67, and site coordinators earned $12,100 per week.
Boliek and his staff recommended that Emergency Management track usage rates and per-use costs for services, noting improved data could help negotiate better prices in future contracts.
While these base camps provided essential support following the 2024 hurricane, Boliek emphasized that discussions on associated costs are essential for preparing North Carolinians for future emergencies.