1 year later: NC leaders reflect on Helene recovery efforts, stories of resilience

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 near the Pigeon River Gorge 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.”

Slamming into the region on Sept. 27, 2024, Helene became the most destructive and deadliest storm ever recorded in North Carolina’s history, leaving billions of dollars worth of damage to homes, businesses, natural attractions, roads and bridges across the state.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, heroes emerged – and the employees of the Department of Transportation are among the best,” Stein said. “I’ve watched as western North Carolinians have stepped up for their neighbors throughout their recovery from this storm. We must keep bringing that same urgency, grit and heart to this work.”

The storm unleashed powerful winds and historic rainfall that triggered massive landslides throughout the region’s mountains and foothills, cutting off entire communities from the outside world.

“Our No. 1 priority over the past year has been to restore transportation and help folks in western North Carolina recover,” N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said.

NCDOT officials estimate that repairing the roads and bridges damaged or destroyed by Helene will cost about $5 billion.

The full recovery in western North Carolina is likely to take several years, but Hopkins said the hard work is paying off.

“Thank you again for supporting this recovery over the past year, and know that the department will see this effort through to the end,” he said.