Governor Josh Stein announced $5 million in infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina through the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program.
The funding continues recovery efforts more than two years after Hurricane Helene struck the region. Stein said the grants "will strengthen Main Streets and help small businesses welcome customers."
Since 2025, the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program has awarded 51 projects more than $36 million in grants, including downtown streetscape repairs, water and sewer lines, stormwater controls, and utility relocation.
Among this round of awards, the Town of Hayesville in Clay County received three separate grants totaling $3 million for downtown infrastructure improvements including a retaining wall, sidewalk repairs, and stormwater system upgrades. The Town of Bryson City in Swain County received approximately $965,968 to restore its public water system and improve public safety. The Town of Elk Park, the Town of West Jefferson, and Buncombe County also received awards for infrastructure repairs.
According to the state, 99 percent of all drinking water systems damaged by the hurricane have been fully restored, though more than $758 million in unmet federal needs remain to complete repairs and strengthen resilience. More than 99 percent of roads closed or impacted by the hurricane are now reopened. More than $105 million in grants and loans have been awarded to nearly 3,000 small businesses across the region, retaining nearly 15,000 jobs.
Governor Stein continues calling for a $10 billion congressional appropriation to support additional recovery efforts, including $5 billion for infrastructure rebuilds, $3 billion for housing construction, and $1.5 billion for economic recovery.