Stein announces $40 million in recovery, mitigation grants for Western North Carolina

MARION, N.C. (WTVD) — Gov. Josh Stein on Friday announced more than $24 million in mitigation grants and another $16 million for volunteer rebuilding organizations during a Western North Carolina Recovery meeting in Marion.

The funding supports longterm recovery from Hurricane Helene and is intended to help communities better withstand future natural disasters.

State officials said the mitigation grants will help local governments upgrade wastewater and water infrastructure, strengthen transportation systems, relocate facilities out of flood-prone areas, expand flood warning networks and develop shovel ready recovery projects. Nonprofit groups aiding families with home repairs and reconstruction will receive the volunteer-based grants.

“Western North Carolina is coming back strong from Hurricane Helene,” Stein said, adding that recovery requires cooperation among government, private and nonprofit partners.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the grants reflect a “wholeofcommunity effort” to reduce risk and help towns rebuild stronger.

Over two dozen communities and organizations – including Conover, Hendersonville, Clyde, Marion, Black Mountain, Banner Elk and multiple county agencies – will receive funding for projects ranging from flood gauge installations to dam restoration and wastewater improvements.

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