The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) made $352.6 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The funding will help the Tennessee and North Carolina Departments of Transportation (TDOT and NCDOT), the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service repair critical infrastructure. This latest installment adds to the $167 million already allocated for recovery efforts in the region.
Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024, caused severe flooding, landslides, rockfalls, washouts, bridge collapses, and extensive debris accumulation. Federal, state, local, and tribal agencies have worked to complete emergency repairs and begin reconstruction. Damage estimates continue to rise and are expected to exceed $4 billion.
The ER funds will be allocated as follows:
- $250 million for NCDOT to repair damaged infrastructure, including I-40.
- $70 million for TDOT to restore multiple facilities, including I-40 and I-26.
- $7.6 million for the U.S. Forest Service to clear downed trees, repair roads, and remove hazards in affected National Forests.
- $25 million for the National Park Service to fix landslides, guardrails, and debris along the Blue Ridge Parkway.