N.C. Requests More Funds as Hurricane Helene Recovery Continues

North Carolina officials are calling for additional funds to support Hurricane Helene-related transportation and infrastructure recovery efforts.

The tropical cyclone devastated the state in September 2024, causing major destruction and at least 108 reported deaths.

Close to 5,000 miles of state-maintained roads were affected alongside 1,530 pipes and culverts. Around 150 bridges were completely destroyed and 850 bridges damaged, according to NCDOT.

North Carolina’s transportation-related damage and needs exceeded $9 billion. Major repairs include Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 19, U.S. Highway 64 and U.S. Highway 74.

“The next phase is rebuilding permanent roads the way the system was before the storm, obviously including the I-40 link between (North Carolina) and Tennessee,” said Marc Finlayson, president of transportation funding advocacy group NC Go. “There are other major thoroughfares as well. That’s going to require more money than the DOT has in the budget.”

NCDOT allocated $100 million to $150 million for recovery projects, out of a $70 billion budget. It has spent more money on Hurricane Helene in the past year than on any other storm.

On Sept. 15, Gov. Josh Stein asked the Trump administration and Congress for an additional $13.5 billion to “restore homes and small businesses, get local governments the help they need, and rebuild roads and bridges for the long haul.”

He also requested the release of “billions of dollars” that Congress appropriated last year but has yet to unlock. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the following day that it approved more than $64 million for North Carolina recovery efforts.

The federal funds will support over 30 projects, including road repairs, landslide slope stabilization, bridge replacements, water supply stabilization and more.

Sources: WLOS, North Carolina Office of the Governor, North Carolina Department of Transportation, WFMY