Hurricane Helene Recovery Focuses on Housing, Roads, and Hazard Mitigation

More than a year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, recovery officials reported ongoing efforts to restore housing, repair roads, and implement hazard mitigation programs aimed at reducing future storm damage.

At a Dec. 15 virtual briefing, officials from the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROWNC) said 585 homes have been submitted to FEMA for review under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), though no approvals have yet been issued. Total projected federal funding for HMGP is $1.54 billion, with $513 million in state matching funds.

Stephanie McGarrah, deputy secretary for the Division of Community Revitalization, highlighted the newly launched RenewNC small rental rehabilitation program, which provides funding to landlords of four or fewer rental units in exchange for long-term affordable rents. Outreach efforts have included direct door-knocking to over 40,000 homes and media campaigns to maximize participation. The application deadline for single-family home repairs is Jan. 31.

State and local officials also reported progress on road recovery. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has reopened more than 98% of state roads, with 36 remaining closed due to reconstruction or ongoing hazards. Henderson and Rutherford counties continue to see the largest concentration of closures, particularly in the Hickory Nut Gorge corridor. Through-traffic restrictions remain in place in some areas to ensure safety during construction.

Calabria noted that FEMA delays and changing federal requirements have slowed some hazard mitigation approvals, but emphasized that projects with the greatest potential impact on reducing future storm damage remain a priority.

Recovery efforts also include infrastructure repair, debris removal, and financial assistance. Residents and communities have received more than $542 million in FEMA Individual Assistance, temporary housing for nearly 7,000 households, and state and philanthropic grants totaling $55 million for small businesses. Volunteer organizations have repaired more than 550 homes using state funds.

No “local traffic only” definition exists in state law, but there is federal guidance. The designation allows access only for vehicles with a destination within the restricted area, such as residents, employees, delivery drivers, or service personnel. Through-traffic is prohibited, and drivers must follow posted detours.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) establishes national standards for these signs. Local authorities enforce compliance, and drivers violating “local traffic only” restrictions can face fines for failing to obey traffic control devices.

The restrictions aim to reduce traffic in sensitive areas, enhance safety for residents, pedestrians, and construction workers, and prevent side streets from being used as shortcuts to bypass main roads. “What we’re asking is that folks have a reason to be here. This is still an active construction zone,” NCDOT Division 13 construction engineer Nathan Moneyham said at an August press conference in Chimney Rock Village.

Officials urged residents, business owners, and tourists to consult state resources for up-to-date information. NCDOT maintains real-time road status maps at DriveNC.gov, and RenewNC.org provides detailed program information and application instructions.