CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than $7.3 million in state funding has been awarded to support Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts in four Western North Carolina communities, with the majority of the funds — $5.5 million — earmarked for six projects in Chimney Rock Village in Rutherford County.

The grants, distributed through North Carolina’s $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, aim to support critical infrastructure repairs and revitalization in storm-affected areas, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Chimney Rock Village will receive:

  • $4.5 million for downtown streetscape improvements
  • $1 million for infrastructure repairs in the Village Plaza

Other awarded communities include:

  • Morganton, receiving $1 million to rehabilitate the River Village Boardwalk
  • Gamewell, awarded $87,000 to replace a sewer pump
  • Clyde, granted $737,000 for ADA-accessible sidewalk upgrades

The grant program is managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, which is continuing to accept applications for additional funding.

Officials say the investments will strengthen local infrastructure and support long-term resilience in communities still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene.

 

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