Governor Stein Announces More Than $40 Million in Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Grants

Governor Josh Stein announced more than $40 million in grant funding aimed at strengthening disaster recovery and resilience efforts across North Carolina, particularly in western parts of the state recovering from Hurricane Helene.

The announcement came during a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery in Marion.

According to the governor’s office, more than $24 million will be distributed through the Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund to support infrastructure improvements and projects designed to reduce the impact of future natural disasters. An additional $16 million will be provided to volunteer organizations that help rebuild homes and support disaster survivors.

“Western North Carolina is coming back strong from Hurricane Helene, and we have learned that it will take all levels of government working alongside our private and nonprofit partners to both recover and prepare for the next natural disaster,” Stein said. “These grants will help support long-term recovery efforts and help communities withstand future storms.”

Projects funded through the Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund include upgrades to wastewater and water treatment infrastructure, flood mitigation work, relocation of critical facilities away from flood-prone areas, and engineering and design for transportation improvements. Funding will also support community warning systems, restoration of high-hazard dams, and installation of flood gauges to monitor water levels.

The projects were identified as priorities by local leaders participating in the American Flood Coalition’s Western North Carolina Recovery and Resilience Partnership.

Will Ray, director of North Carolina Emergency Management, said the grants will help communities better prepare for future disasters.

“North Carolina Emergency Management is excited to see these funding opportunities come to fruition as they will increase resilience against the impacts from future storms across our state,” Ray said. “These projects once again showcase the whole-of-community effort that is underway to assist communities with mitigating risk and impacts from future events and in rebuilding stronger.”

Among the funded projects are flood mitigation and infrastructure upgrades in several cities and towns, including Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Banner Elk, and Hot Springs. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will receive $600,000 to expand its flood warning alert system.

Other projects include relocation and development for volunteer fire departments, culvert and bridge replacements, wastewater system improvements, and emergency communications upgrades.

Officials say the funding will support both immediate rebuilding needs and long-term resilience as communities across western North Carolina continue recovering from recent severe weather.