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.”…