The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality awarded $25 million to Helene-damaged counties on Tuesday.
Helene scattered debris all across Western North Carolina. It also destroyed waste management and recycling facilities throughout the region. Communities have since struggled to restore that critical infrastructure.
The state’s Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure (HRRI) grant program will help them to not only rebuild, but also reinforce against future storms.
In all, DEQ awarded grants to sixteen county governments. Watauga’s has earmarked roughly $300,000 to replace containers lost in Helene and improve the collection of metals and large appliances.
Officials in Alleghany will use their county’s nearly $3 million to expand recycling services. And in Wilkes, over half a million dollars will provide new recycling trucks and collection equipment.