**U.S. Allocates $155 Million in Additional Aid to Western North Carolina for Tropical Storm Helene Recovery**
Nov. 7 (UPI) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released an additional $155 million in funding for western North Carolina to support 130 recovery projects in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
This is the largest funding allocation in the state for damage from Helene, which struck the western Appalachian region on September 27. The storm unleashed up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, causing widespread river flooding and landslides, and resulting in 85 direct and indirect deaths across North Carolina.
Tropical Storm Helene in 2024 has been recorded as the costliest and deadliest storm in North Carolina’s history, with damages estimated at $60 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The total impact of the storm across all affected states reached $79.8 billion. Helene intensified into a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall in western Florida, then moved into the Carolinas, causing severe destruction along its path.
To date, more than $957 million in federal aid has been provided for road repairs, debris removal, infrastructure restoration, and emergency protective measures. Of this, more than $632 million in public assistance reimbursements have been approved for North Carolina since Donald Trump became president on January 20.
A senior HHS spokesperson said President Trump and HHS Secretary Kristi Noem “are committed to streamlining aid and supporting North Carolina’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and other disasters. These millions of dollars in federal assistance will help communities repair critical infrastructure, restore essential services, and continue rebuilding stronger for the future.”
**Key Grants and Funding Breakdown:**
– **$54 million** to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for rebuilding roads and bridges
– **$40 million** for utilities: French Broad Electric Co. and Rutherford Electric Membership Corp. for repairs and emergency protective measures
– **$14.8 million** to Henderson County
– **$9.6 million** to Buncombe County
– **$1.6 million** for the city of Boone
– **$1.4 million** for Paddy’s Creek Beach and Catawba Beach
– **$1.3 million** to the Buncombe County School District
State officials are awaiting additional funding, according to NC Newsline. There is a $1.4 billion grant pool designated for a homebuilding program, which currently has over 4,000 applicants. Another FEMA grant program is available to buy out private properties affected by the storm, though many applications have been pending for months.
Federal and state agencies continue to work together to secure further support and ensure long-term recovery for North Carolina communities impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/11/07/Homeland-security-FEMA-disperse-additional-155-million/2911762548671/
