$34M federal grant helps fuel Helene recovery

As western North Carolina continues recovering from Hurricane Helene, seven regional projects will receive a combined $34.2 million in federal grants aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening the workforce, and supporting long-term economic growth.

Gov. Josh Stein announced the awards Tuesday, saying the funding from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) will help communities move beyond immediate disaster recovery and invest in projects designed to strengthen the region’s economy for years to come.

“Western North Carolina is working hard to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, and these grants are going to help communities build on that momentum,” Stein said. “We are grateful to our federal partners for investing in the region’s recovery and creating new opportunities for people and businesses. Let’s keep at it and work together to build a stronger western North Carolina.”

The grants are part of the EDA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. Congress made approximately $1.5 billion available nationwide for communities that received major disaster declarations in 2023 and 2024.

The North Carolina governor’s office said Stein’s administration partnered with local governments, colleges, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to support more than 20 EDA grant applications following Hurricane Helene. 

“President Trump is delivering on his promise to rebuild southern communities impacted by hurricanes,” US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar said Monday. “Today’s grant announcement in North Carolina invests in long-term economic growth and resiliency that will benefit generations in these communities. The Department of Commerce is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to recover from the economic impacts of natural disasters and encouraging public-private partnerships that drive economic growth.”

Workforce and infrastructure lead investments

The largest award, $29.2 million, will fund construction of a new 70,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing workforce and innovation hub through a partnership between Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Buncombe County.

State officials said the facility will bring together universities, community colleges, and economic development organizations to expand workforce training and support advanced manufacturing opportunities in western North Carolina.

Other funded projects include:

• The Town of Murphy will receive $2.1 million to construct a new sewer lift station intended to support local businesses.
• Western Carolina University will receive $1.2 million for infrastructure improvements to the WCU-Cullowhee Dam, supporting the area’s recreational economy.
• The Land of Sky Council of Governments will receive $500,000 to expand recovery capacity for Madison, Buncombe, and Henderson counties.
• The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will receive $500,000 to establish a regional disaster recovery coordinator serving communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
• Centralina Economic Development Commission will receive $400,000 to conduct strategic planning focused on protecting major employers and critical facilities from future natural disasters.
• Ashe County will receive $267,080 for engineering, design, and permitting work associated with three shell buildings planned for Ashe Industrial Park.

Matt Calabria, director of GROW NC, said the investments are intended to strengthen the region after emergency recovery work concludes.

“Long after the immediate recovery work is done, economic opportunity will continue to shape the future of western North Carolina,” Calabria said. “These investments will help communities build strong foundations for long-term growth. We need to keep investing in the people, businesses, and infrastructure that will carry this region forward for years to come.”

Sharon Decker, GROW NC senior advisor for long-term recovery, said the projects recognize the region’s existing strengths while helping communities prepare for the future.

“Western North Carolina has so many strengths that will power our recovery for years to come, from its people and small businesses to its natural beauty and vibrant communities,” Decker said. “These investments recognize the incredible potential of this region and will help bring long-term recovery projects to life. We are grateful to our federal partners for recognizing what western North Carolina has to offer and for helping us build a stronger future for the region.”

State continues infrastructure investment

The federal announcement follows additional state investments focused on rebuilding infrastructure serving western North Carolina’s business districts.

Earlier this year, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced nearly $8.5 million in new Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, or SmBIZ, awards supporting 13 recovery projects across Ashe, Caldwell, Jackson, and Mitchell counties.

The latest funding brings total SmBIZ awards to nearly $30 million since November 2025.

The program was created with a $55 million appropriation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly and provides grants of up to $1 million to local governments for infrastructure projects that directly support commercial districts and economic corridors.

Stein said restoring public infrastructure is essential for small businesses.

“Small businesses can’t operate without reliable infrastructure,” Stein said in an earlier statement. “These investments will help communities repair essential systems, reduce future risk, and ensure local entrepreneurs have the dependable services they need to serve customers and grow.”

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said collaboration between state and local governments remains central to recovery efforts.

“Rebuilding after a disaster requires both urgency and partnership,” Lilley said. “Through this program, we’re working hand in hand with local leaders to restore the systems that keep their economies functioning day in and day out.”

The Department of Commerce also modified the program to allow recipients to receive funding upfront rather than waiting for reimbursement, a change state officials said is intended to accelerate construction and reduce project delays.

Additional recovery efforts continue

The new federal funding builds on other recovery initiatives announced during the past year.

Earlier this month, Cleveland Community College received a $1.7 million EDA grant to support construction of a healthcare workforce training facility in Shelby.

In July, Stein signed Senate Bill 257, enacting North Carolina’s first full state budget in more than two years. The budget includes more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, representing the state’s third and largest recovery package since Stein took office in January 2025.

Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce continues accepting applications through Aug. 4 for its Commercial District Revitalization Program, which offers grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects intended to strengthen commercial districts and support economic recovery in western North Carolina.

“$34M federal grant helps fuel Helene recovery” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.