Locals freeze while local gov. pours thousands into gates to keep people out

So, how do you like this? Chimney Rock, NC, a place really affected by the Hurricane Helene, is going to spend $288,000 on gates and armed night vision security to keep tourists out of the area. While the government has deserted the people, the ONLY help they have is from churches, charities, people coming from all over the United States on their own dime to help, bringing food, chainsaws, fuel, clothing, tents, even RVs - also heavy machinery to rebuild the roads that NO ONE else is doing. Does the government want these people to starve, freeze, or otherwise die? There's only one answer I can see. Oh, and FEMA's going to help fund this.