ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly two years after Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, state and federal officials say recovery is accelerating, but billions of dollars in unmet needs remain as communities continue rebuilding homes, infrastructure and local economies.
Members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery heard updates Monday showing progress across housing, communications, tourism and infrastructure recovery efforts while also highlighting major funding gaps that remain throughout the region.
FEMA officials reported that more than $5 billion has been committed to Helene recovery efforts, including more than $2.2 billion in public assistance funding for local governments and infrastructure repairs, $566 million in direct assistance to survivors and $2.6 billion for debris removal…