NC to receive additional $1.15 billion in federal funds dedicated to Helene recovery efforts, governor says

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WNCN) – One year after Hurricane Helene ravaged its way across the state, Governor Josh Stein unveiled that the Trump administration plans to allocate a further $1.15 billion dedicated to recovery efforts in western North Carolina.

The governor made this announcement during a briefing at the Interstate 40 reconstruction zone on Friday, totaling the amount of federal funds dedicated to Helene relief to nearly $2 billion.

“I want to reassure folks out here – we have not forgotten you, and we will not forget you,” Stein said.

“This is the largest single allocation of emergency relief funding that’s ever been allocated to one state in [U.S. Department of Transportation] history,” Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster said. “The president is committed to leaving no state behind in getting America building again.”

Despite the additional funds, Stein reiterates that the federal government can still do more to help those affected by the storm that claimed the lives of 108 people in September 2024.

“We have a lot more work to do,” Stein said. “I’m grateful for every federal dollar that the state has received, but to be frank, it isn’t enough.”

The average federal contribution to a state after a major storm is about 50% of the total cost of damage, but North Carolina has received only 11% worth of funding so far, according to the governor.

“I’m calling on Congress to pass a new $13.5 billion appropriation to send more support our way,” he said. “The people of western North Carolina deserve their fair share.”

Slowly but surely, improvements continue to be made every day throughout the western portions of the state. Stein said that 97% of all state-maintained roads initially closed by Helene have since reopened.

In total, the storm damaged approximately 9,400 sites along North Carolina roads and businesses, forcing almost 1,450 complete road closures.

One of the major points of emphasis has been the reconstruction of I-40, which McMaster called “vital” as it allows people and goods to travel across Asheville and western North Carolina through the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

“From families taking road trips and large freight trucks, the impact of I-40 travel has been felt throughout North Carolina,” McMaster said. “I cannot overstate the impact, which is why fully reopening I-40 is a top priority for USDOT.”