$100 million in federal funds released for North Carolina to rebuild roads, bridges damaged by Helene
SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released $100 million in emergency funds to North Carolina to rebuild roads and bridges devastated by Hurricane Helene. This initial round of funding, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, aims to prevent delays in road repairs and reopening critical routes. Buttigieg assured North Carolinians that more federal resources would follow as part of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to aiding the state's recovery.Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, particularly in the western mountains, leaving at least 229 dead, including 116 confirmed fatalities in North Carolina. Some areas saw over a foot of rainfall, leading to mudslides that blocked major highways like Interstate 40. Around 400 roads remain closed, complicating relief efforts, with air traffic increasing by 300% as rescue teams search for survivors.
