Almost a year has lapsed since Hurricane Helene's wrath swept through western North Carolina, and Governor Josh Stein has been spotlighting the state's diligent efforts in mending the roads and infrastructure that bore the brunt of the storm's fury. "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," Governor Stein remarked, in a statement obtained by the Governor's Office official website.
Recovery stats shared by the Governor's office paint a picture of resilience and recovery: 96 percent of water systems have been restored, 97 percent of state-maintained roads are passable again, and all the impacted state parks have reopened in some capacity. This uplift in infrastructure functionality is crucial for residents who want to travel freely through their locales without the constant reminder of the hurricane's disruptions
Further aid comes in the form of the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, aimed at reviving crucial infrastructure that small businesses depend on. Eligible local governments in western North Carolina are encouraged to apply for these grants, which support necessities ranging from electric grids to high-speed broadband access. A visit by the Governor to Clyde, an early recipient of the grant, underscored the importance of such programs for local economic prosperity, as noted on the Governor's Office official website.
For communities grappling with infrastructure losses not covered by FEMA, the Helene Local Government Capital Grant program stands as a beacon of assistance. Launched recently, it provides the means for local governments and federally recognized tribes to mend or replace structures vital for public safety. Details on this initiative, including eligibility and application processes, are outlined on the Helene Recovery Local Government Capital Grants webpage.
The reopening of two lanes on Interstate 40 this March represented a significant milestone. Along with celebrating the reopening, Governor Stein welcomed the U.S. Transportation Secretary to assess the area, indicating an acknowledgement from federal levels that North Carolina's mountain region is on the pathway to restoration. Moreover, a $5 million investment toward the Clean Energy Microgrid Initiative exemplifies the state's commitment to innovative solutions for electricity continuity during future calamities.
Addressing the aftermath on private property, the state has directed substantial FEMA funds and state resources to mend and replace private roads and bridges, a critical concern for emergency vehicle access and public connectivity. To date, North Carolina Emergency Management has evaluated thousands of sites and facilitated repairs with millions in FEMA assistance and state funds. Individuals who've completed repairs on their own dime are urged to apply for potential reimbursement through an online form available at the North Carolina Emergency Management website.
