As more and more local governments in North Carolina begin seeking reimbursement for some disaster-recovery expenses in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and associated flooding, the amount of federal dollars being set aside for those expenses continues to grow.

The latest figures show nearly $7 million in public (government) assistance for emergency work have been obligated for North Carolina. Initially, that amount was $2.25 million. Obligated means that funds made available to the state via electronic transfer following the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s final review and approval of public assistance projects.

Of that nearly $7 million, just over $5 million has been obligated for emergency work that must be performed to eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, protect public health and safety and protect improved property that is significantly threatened due to disasters or emergencies declared by the president.

Under permanent work, expenditures related to work required to restore a damaged facility, through repair or restoration, to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and standards could be reimbursed. The amount obligated for that category is not available yet, according to FEMA.

Washington officials estimate the city’s expenses related to Hurricane Matthew at $377,801.64, and it wants the federal government and state government to reimburse it for eligible expenses. Last week, City Manager Bobby Roberson said the city has not heard from FEMA regarding its reimbursement request.

To that end, the City Council, during its Nov. 14 meeting, named Matt Rauschenbach, the city’s chief financial officer, and Robbie Rose, the city’s fire chief, as the city’s agents in seeking reimbursement from FEMA and state agencies.

Counties and municipalities that are eligible for federal disaster-recovery assistance may be reimbursed for specific expenses in two categories: emergency work and permanent work.

The city’s nearly $378,000 in storm-related expenditures include overtime salaries, fuel, food, safety gear such as boots, debris removal and equipment repair.

Adjustments will be made as expenditures and reimbursement claims are finalized, according to a city document.