“These base camps were an essential service in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” NC State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release. Camps were set up in conjunction with disaster response contractor SLSCO LTD, which determined qualifications and experience requirements for camp workers. The OSA stated the tracking could assist with negotiating improved costs for disaster support services in the future. In its response letter, NCEM acknowledged the work of its members and members of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) following Helene. A prior audit of a Helene relief station in Swannanoa had found daily operation costs to total $145,000.