U.S. Department of Transportation Allocates $353 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery in North Carolina and Tennessee

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced an additional $353 million in relief funding to North Carolina and Tennessee following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. This funding comes after an earlier $167 million allocated to both states in the aftermath of the storm in September.

The majority of this new funding—$250 million—will be dedicated to rebuilding Interstate 40, which experienced significant damage, including sections washed away by the storm.

This key highway remains closed at the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, with an indefinite closure following a chunk of asphalt falling from the road along the Pigeon River Gorge last month. The highway had been expected to reopen in early 2025.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “Hurricane Helene devastated communities and cut off critical road infrastructure, and our Department is committed to helping repair and rebuild local infrastructure in order to support the impacted area’s long-term recovery.”

Additional funding will be allocated as follows:

  • $70 million to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to repair portions of I-40 and I-26.
  • $7.6 million to the U.S. Forest Service for repairing and removing hazards from roadways and bridges within National Forests.
  • $25 million to the National Park Service for repairs along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This funding aims to accelerate the recovery and ensure the restoration of vital infrastructure for affected communities.

 

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