Federal Grants Boost Economic Resilience in Western North Carolina Post-Hurricane Helene
In a significant move to bolster economic recovery in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has allocated $34.2 million in grants for seven projects aimed at enhancing the region’s economic resilience. Governor Josh Stein lauded the federal support, emphasizing the grants’ potential to expand economic opportunities and facilitate long-term recovery.
Governor Stein expressed his gratitude, stating, “Western North Carolina is working hard to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, and these grants are going to help communities build on that momentum. We are grateful to our federal partners for investing in the region’s recovery and creating new opportunities for people and businesses.”
Key Projects and Allocations
The grants will fund a variety of projects across Western North Carolina involving collaborations between universities, community colleges, local governments, private sectors, and philanthropic organizations:
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Buncombe County (Asheville): $29.2 million is allocated for an advanced manufacturing workforce and innovation hub, involving multiple universities and economic development entities.
- Town of Murphy: $2.1 million will go towards constructing a new sewer lift station to support local businesses.
- Western Carolina University (Township of Cullowhee): $1.2 million is earmarked for infrastructure improvements to the WCU-Cullowhee Dam, aiding the local recreational economy.
- Land of Sky Council of Governments (Asheville): $500,000 will provide additional capacity and support for communities in Madison, Buncombe, and Henderson counties.
- Western Piedmont Council of Governments (Hickory): $500,000 is meant to establish a regional disaster recovery coordinator position.
- Centralina Economic Development Commission, Inc. (Charlotte): $400,000 will be invested in developing a strategic analysis and engagement strategy to enhance resilience to natural disasters.
- Ashe County (Jefferson): $267,080 is designated for the design, engineering, and permitting of three shell buildings at Ashe Industrial Park.
Support for Long-Term Growth
Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC, highlighted the long-term benefits of these investments, stating, “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, Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the region’s potential: “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.”
State and Federal Commitment
Governor Stein’s administration has actively supported over 20 EDA funding applications post-Hurricane Helene. Additionally, the EDA continues to evaluate applications from areas declared major disaster zones in 2023 and 2024, with approximately $1.5 billion available under the Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program.
Governor Stein’s efforts include a $1.7 million EDA grant awarded to Cleveland Community College for a healthcare workforce training facility. Moreover, North Carolina’s state budget, signed into law by Stein in July, allocates over $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, with Stein continuing to advocate for further federal support.
The state has also launched the Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program to aid local governments and nonprofits in revitalizing commercial areas. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster economic recovery and growth in the affected regions.
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