North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Western North Carolina continues to rebuild two years after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the region.
The storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage across North Carolina, damaged or destroyed more than 73,000 homes, affected about 9,000 road sites and claimed more than 100 lives, according to state recovery assessments. Nearly 99 per cent of state-maintained roads have since reopened, while more than 17.2 million cubic yards of debris have been removed. Downtown areas across the region have also reopened businesses and services as recovery continues.
Significant challenges remain, particularly in housing, infrastructure, economic recovery, disaster mitigation and rural communities.
Blue Ridge Community College has focused on workforce development and financial assistance as part of the region’s recovery. The college has distributed more than $2.5 million in emergency grants and scholarships over the past two years to students dealing with storm-related housing instability, job loss, vehicle loss and other needs.
During the most recent academic year, the college’s Educational Foundation and Financial Aid offices awarded more than $663,000 in scholarships.
The college is also working with employers and other organizations to develop training programs in fields including engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, public safety and the skilled trades.
Through partnerships such as Good Jobs WNC, the college is working to strengthen workforce development systems across the region. Short-term programs including Level Up: Core Construction and the Electrical Academy are providing accelerated training for workers entering careers connected to regional needs.
While much of the physical recovery has progressed, officials and community organizations continue to address longer-term housing, infrastructure and economic challenges.
Two years after Helene, recovery remains an ongoing effort involving local governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, volunteers and residents across Western North Carolina.