CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Gov. Josh Stein on Friday signed a $575 million disaster relief package aimed at accelerating recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and reviving tourism in Western North Carolina. The signing came at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park after months of storm-related closures.

The legislation, House Bill 1012 — the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025, Part II — provides funding to repair damaged private roads and bridges, address wildfire risks and landslide prevention, repair dams and support schools in impacted regions. Stein signed the bill during a ceremony held at Chimney Rock State Park, which has reopened on a limited basis after sustaining severe damage from Helene nine months ago.

“Let’s make sure our neighbors know we haven’t forgotten them,” Stein said in a news release. “We can support the region’s recovery just by showing up. If you’re planning your summer vacation or a weekend getaway, make sure to experience something that makes Western North Carolina unforgettable. And that includes beautiful Chimney Rock State Park.”

Stein also launched “Rediscover the Unforgettable Western North Carolina,” a statewide tourism initiative aimed at boosting travel to Western North Carolina communities hit hard by the storm. The campaign includes a promotional video narrated by country music star and Western North Carolina native Eric Church.

“I’m proud to be from Western North Carolina,” Church said in the video. “It’s where I was born, it’s where my soul finds rest. It’s an honor to be the voice that invites more people to discover and visit a place we love.”

Chimney Rock State Park, which typically draws around 400,000 visitors annually, will now operate Fridays through Mondays with advance reservations required. While the village of Chimney Rock remains officially closed, several local businesses have resumed operations and are welcoming visitors.

Stein also urged federal action, calling on the Trump administration and Congress to allocate $19 billion in disaster aid for North Carolina — including $11.5 billion in new funding and $7.5 billion from previous appropriations.

Last week, the state launched Renew NC, a housing recovery program now accepting applications from homeowners affected by Helene. More information is available at renewnc.org.