Buncombe County Approves $14 Million Increase in Hurricane Helene Grant Funding
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Buncombe County commissioners in Western North Carolina have approved a $14 million increase in grant funding related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This additional funding aims to support long-term resilience projects, including the establishment of a dedicated recovery office.
Of the total increase, $10 million is allocated specifically for landslide recovery and preparedness initiatives. The remaining funds will be dedicated to road repairs and park improvement projects across the county.
Funding Breakdown
- Landslide recovery: $10,296,428
- Tower Roads repairs: $1,324,343
- Owen Park projects: $1,807,912
- Additional parks projects: $572,562
In addition to local funding, the U.S. Department of Labor has released $4 million to support job recovery efforts for individuals affected by the storm. This allocation is part of a larger $10 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant initially awarded to North Carolina in 2024.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the critical role of this funding, stating, “Hurricane Helene inflicted billions in economic losses on businesses large and small. Thousands of people lost their jobs. This federal grant will enable folks in western North Carolina who are out of work to get a job helping their neighbors and businesses recover and rebuild. It is a win-win.”
Through this grant, eligible residents in western North Carolina will be employed in jobs supporting clean-up, recovery, and assistance efforts in affected communities, helping to accelerate the region’s path to full recovery.