North Carolina Construction News staff writer
President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the rebuilding of roads in Western North Carolina, particularly focusing on clearing and repairing infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Speaking in Swannanoa last week, the president said the order would eliminate permitting requirements, speeding up the reconstruction process.“Today, I’ll also be signing an executive order slashing all red tape and bureaucratic barriers and permits to ensure the rapid reconstruction of the roads here in Western North Carolina,” Trump said. “We’re going to go through a permitting process that’s called no permitting, just get it done, that’s the way they built them many years ago, I guarantee you that.”
The executive order directs the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator, and Small Business Administration Administrator to take immediate steps to expedite road clearance and rebuilding efforts, including work on the section of Interstate 40 that remains closed.
It also calls for the repair or rebuilding of roads and bridges on private property in areas impacted by the hurricane.
While the order does not specifically address the elimination of permitting processes for public or private roads, it emphasizes the need for agencies “to take all necessary actions” to speed up recovery efforts and infrastructure restoration in the affected areas.