RALEIGH, N.C. – As western North Carolina continues to rebuild, Governor Josh Stein is highlighting ongoing efforts to repair roads and critical infrastructure that Hurricane Helene destroyed or damaged.
“As we approach the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s whole-of-government approach has made encouraging progress to repair roads and other critical infrastructure,” said Governor Josh Stein.
Recovery by the Numbers:
- 96% of water systems back online
- 97% state-maintained roads reopened
- 100% of impacted state parks partially or fully reopened
Small Business Infrastructure Grants
Small businesses in western North Carolina rely on local infrastructure – electricity, storm water systems, sidewalks, and high-speed broadband. Local governments in western North Carolina can apply on a first-come, first-served basis for the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program to reinvigorate critical infrastructure that small businesses need to attract customers and thrive.
In July, the Governor visited the town of Clyde, an initial recipient of this grant program, meeting with small business owners and emphasizing their importance to the local economy.
I-40 Partial Reopening
On March 1, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reopened two lanes of Interstate 40. Governor Stein welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to western North Carolina to survey I-40 along the Pigeon River Gorge.
Clean Energy Microgrid Initiative
In August, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, in collaboration a network of regional partners, announced a $5 million investment in permanent and mobile microgrids, which will provide accessible power when the broader grid is impacted to help improve future disaster response in western North Carolina.
Debris Removal
State and federal partners have removed 15 million cubic yards of debris from the region’s roads, waterways, and private properties. Last week, the Governor, First Lady, and members of the cabinet spent an afternoon cleaning up along the Sweeten Creek alongside the nonprofit Mountain True.
