The majority of these funds will be directed toward restoring key routes in North Carolina and Tennessee. Specifically, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is set to receive $250 million, while $70 million has been allocated to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Other federal agencies will also benefit from this funding to improve access across affected areas. The National Park Service is slated to receive $25 million to repair stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service is allocated $7.6 million for ensuring safe travel through roads in national forests affected by the storm.

“Hurricane Helene devastated communities and cut off critical road infrastructure, and our Department is committed to helping repair and rebuild local infrastructure in order to support the impacted area’s long-term recovery,” highlighted U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The emergency relief funding we’re announcing today will continue this important work and provide vital aid to the communities and states that have been impacted by this disaster.”

Travel throughout western North Carolina and Tennessee continues to face significant challenges. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, as of January 14, travel remains restricted in many areas. Truck vehicles exceeding 30 feet in length are prohibited on multiple routes. Furthermore, 185 roadways are completely closed, with 55 of those closures specifically restricting truck access.

The comprehensive effort to restore mobility across the region involves collaboration between key agencies. “The Federal Highway Administration is working closely with Tennessee, North Carolina, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service to ensure all roads and bridges are operational and made whole again to restore mobility for residents and businesses and support the region’s economy,” shared Acting Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Gloria M. Shepherd. “The funding will go toward restoring major critical routes that the region relies upon for productivity and roads and bridges that support tourism by connecting Americans to the region’s natural resources.”

This release follows an earlier allocation of $167 million for hurricane-related damage in North Carolina and Tennessee. Combined with these latest efforts, the funds aim to repair infrastructure critical to residents, travelers, and local economies. The FHWA estimates that total damages from Hurricane Helene will surpass $4 billion.

Source: Land Line

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Hurricane Helene has left significant damage across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. While the storm has moved on, the work to rebuild and restore continues. Here’s an update on ongoing efforts, road safety, and resources available to those affected.

North Carolina’s Relief Operations

Western North Carolina remains focused on search and rescue efforts, with teams dedicated to re-establishing essential services and delivering necessary supplies. Governor Roy Cooper underscores the extensive coordination involved, stating, “The response to this crisis so far has been a massive effort of coordination and logistics.” He further noted, “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need.”

Travel in the region is hazardous, with approximately 400 roads closed. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) advises avoiding non-essential travel to aid recovery efforts and ensure emergency operations proceed smoothly. Resources deployed include over 1,500 employees, more than 1,500 trucks/graders/backhoes/loaders, 1,000 chainsaws, and over 8,000 barricades and signs.

NCDOT has also coordinated with the NC National Guard for ground operations and air drops. FEMA has begun distributing trailers filled with food and water. Over 20,000 residents have registered for assistance.

Shelters are available at:

• Biltmore Baptist Church, Buncombe County, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704

• Grace Community Church, McDowell County, 5182 Highway 70 West, Marion, NC 28752

• First Baptist Church, Watauga County, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607

To date, there have been over 440 rescues and about 4,700 evacuations. The confirmed death toll stands at 42, with expectations it may rise. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies or to report missing persons, contact NC 211 at 1-888-892-1162. For further updates, email the North Carolina Joint Information Center at ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599. Additional resources are available at ncdps.gov/helene.

Recovery in Tennessee

Governor Bill Lee recently toured East Tennessee to survey the storm’s damage, highlighting the community’s resilience. “Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and severe flood damage in East Tennessee,” he said. “We continue to pray alongside Tennesseans as we endure this heartbreaking tragedy.”

With numerous roads and bridges impacted in Upper East Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) warns that all routes should be treated as hazardous. Key structures like the Washingotn SR-81 Nolichucky River Bridge, Washington SR-353 Nolichucky River Bridge, Greene SR-107 Nolichucky River Bridge, Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Eastbound, Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Westbound face long-term closures due to extensive damage.

TDOT has mobilized around 400 team members to restore critical infrastructure, ensuring access to hospitals and shelters. For real-time updates, visit SmartWay or call 511.

Georgia’s Path to Recovery

Georgia’s recovery efforts focus on clearing debris and restoring road safety. Numerous routes are blocked by debris or downed power lines, and over 100 traffic signals, mainly in Lowndes County, were damaged. Scott Chambers, GDOT Southwest District Engineer, reassured, “We’re in pretty good shape.” Crews are actively clearing routes and restoring signals, with temporary stop signs in place at affected intersections.

Residents should treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops. GDOT is using larger contractor trailers to expedite debris removal. For local street debris removal inquiries, contact your local Emergency Management Agency.

Efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene continue across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Residents are urged to stay informed through local agencies and remain patient as recovery progresses. Visit local emergency management websites for the latest updates and assistance options.

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