On June 18, the US Department of Transportation announced $1.86 billion in emergency relief funding for roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, with $908 million going toward Hurricane Helene recovery in North Carolina.
Federal Highway Administration appropriations documents show that funding for Helene recovery represents about 51 percent of the agency’s $1.77 billion nationwide emergency aid appropriations package.
North Carolina’s total allocation comes to $913.7 million, with funding for other storm events included, while Tennessee and Georgia will receive $42.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for Helene repairs.
The latest allocation brings FHWA’s total commitment for Helene recovery to $3.4 billion to affected states, including $2.9 billion for North Carolina, and follows previous federal awards for repairs to Interstate 40 and other storm-damaged transportation facilities in the western part of the state.
“As hurricane season begins, we are reminded that when disaster strikes, its essential leaders mobilize quickly to help American families in need,” US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a statement.
“Our roads and bridges are essential infrastructure that keep our local economies moving,” Duffy added. “That’s why the Trump Administration is getting these critical dollars out the door so communities can rebuild their transportation networks right away.”
Outside of North Carolina, the largest single allocation is $300 million for transportation work associated with the March 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
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California will receive $260.7 million linked to floods, atmospheric river events, winter storms and wildfires, while Puerto Rico will receive $90.8 million for hurricane and storm recovery projects.
Separate FHWA appropriations for federally owned roads include $7.8 million for Hurricane Helene repairs on North Carolina national forests and other federal lands.
FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster said the agency will continue to work with states until damaged roads and bridges are restored.
“When transport links are broken, it disrupts people’s lives and our economy – getting them back on track is essential,” McMaster said.
According to DOT, the remaining funding will support repairs associated with the 2024 floods and mudslides in several states, the 2025 storms and floods in Arizona, atmospheric river events in western states and other disaster-related transportation damage nationwide.
