North Carolina to receive largest allocation of ER funding ever
Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary, announced that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will receive $1.15 billion in additional Emergency Relief (ER) funding for Hurricane Helene repairs. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, his is the largest single allocation to a state under the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program in the Department’s history.
Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina on September 27, 2024. It is the most devastating natural disaster in western North Carolina’s history. Across the region, Rainfall amounts were reported of up to 20 to 30 inches.
According to the National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report, people in remote areas were cut off due to landslides, fallen trees and debris flows, which destroyed numerous roads and bridges in many smaller mountain communities.The U.S. Geological Survey documented that the storm caused over 2,000 landslides, with the majority located over western North Carolina. Many residents affected did not have access to clean water or electricity for a long period of time. A year later, many of the Appalachian towns are making efforts to rebuild stronger. The ER funding will be allocated to repair roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Duffy, the Department is helping North Carolina get critical transportation infrastructure back up and running quickly and safely,” said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. “Across the country, the Federal Highway Administration will continue to work hand-in-hand with states to revitalize our vital transportation networks and keep the public moving.”
