Congressman Edwards Announces $1.15 Billion in Federal Highway Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Washington, DC - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced that the U.S. Federal Highway Administration has awarded $1.15 billion to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Hurricane Helene recovery projects.

Between September 26th and 28th, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes across North Carolina. The storm caused widespread destruction, including flash flooding, landslides, rockfalls, washouts, collapsed bridges, and fallen trees.

The storm devastated not only homes and businesses, but also the state’s transportation network. Roads, bridges, and major highways like I-40 were shut down in multiple locations, cutting off access and isolating communities across North Carolina.

“Every disaster response official I’ve worked with agrees that Hurricane Helene destroyed the greatest number of private roads and bridges they’ve ever seen in one disaster. We have been actively working to restore these lifelines quickly since the storm hit,” said Congressman Edwards. “This funding will reimburse projects that restore necessary transportation infrastructure, ensuring that Western North Carolina can move forward stronger and more resilient.”

The funding will support repairs on federally designated routes, with much of the funding focused on I-40, US 64-74, and US 19. NCDOT will also apply these funds to I-40, US 74A, and US 64-74 projects already underway or starting this year, as well as additional non-corridor repairs across the region, including:

Emergency Repairs:

• Avery County – US 19E

• Buncombe County – NC 9

• Buncombe County – NC 81

Permanent Repairs:

• Ashe County - SR 1315

• Buncombe County - SR 2109 and SR 2288 Bridges

• McDowell County – NC 80

• McDowell County – US 70 Bridges

• Yancey County - US 19 Bridges

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