Governor Josh Stein announced $5 million in new infrastructure grants today in Lansing, aimed at strengthening small business recovery across western North Carolina. The announcement comes two years after Hurricane Helene significantly impacted the region, and these grants are designed to help local businesses welcome customers and reinforce the local economy.
The funding is part of the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ) and is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Governor Stein emphasized the state's commitment to supporting these businesses, stating, "Western North Carolina is dotted with stories like those out of Lansing: stories of people who have worked day in and day out on recovery." He added that these grants would "strengthen Main Streets" and assure the public that western North Carolina is open for business.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley reiterated the state's dedication, noting that "strong, reliable public infrastructure is essential for long-term resilience and the continued growth of these communities and local economies."
The $5 million in new grants is allocated to several projects across multiple counties: * **Ashe County:** The Town of West Jefferson will receive $233,191 to support and rehabilitate existing infrastructure within its downtown commercial area. * **Avery County:** The Town of Elk Park is awarded $100,000 to replace a failing culvert on Main Street, a measure intended to protect adjacent infrastructure and reduce flood risks for nearby businesses. * **Buncombe County:** Projects in Buncombe County include $786,291 to repair, improve, and extend sidewalks on Railroad, South, and Alexander streets in Beacon Village. * **Clay County:** The Town of Hayesville will benefit from three separate grants totaling $3,000,000. This includes $1,000,000 to build a retaining wall and replace and improve sidewalk infrastructure, aiming to restore pedestrian access and protect the downtown from future storm impacts. An additional $1,000,000 is allocated to repair and improve the downtown stormwater system and sidewalk infrastructure for increased public safety and long-term resilience. A third grant of $1,000,000 will repair the stormwater system and infrastructure for the Mill Street corridor. * **Swain County:** The Town of Bryson City is granted $965,968 to restore its public water system and enhance public safety and continuity of operations south of the Tuckasegee River.
In addition to the announcement, Governor Stein made several stops in Lansing, including visiting the Lansing Fire Department to thank firefighters for their leadership during Hurricane Helene. He also celebrated the reopening of Pie on the Mountain by working a shift behind the counter.
Later, Governor and First Lady Stein are scheduled to join the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for the Spirit of Boone Annual Membership Gathering, where they will receive the Spirit of Boone Community Award. The event will also highlight ongoing efforts to support the High Country region's long-term economic recovery.
This recent allocation follows earlier state efforts. Earlier this year, Governor Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants for 13 local small business recovery projects in western North Carolina through the same SmBIZ program. Since 2025, SmBIZ has awarded more than $36 million in grants across 51 projects. These projects have included essential downtown streetscape repairs, upgrades to water and sewer lines, enhancements to stormwater controls, and utility relocation work, all vital for community resilience and business continuity.
Governor Stein has maintained a consistent focus on helping western North Carolina rebuild since Hurricane Helene. As of July, the Department of Environmental Quality has awarded $1 billion to strengthen water infrastructure and resilience in the region. Progress includes the full restoration of 99% of all drinking water systems damaged by the storm. However, more than $758 million in unmet federal needs remain to fully repair systems and make them more resilient to future storms.
Regarding transportation, more than 99% of roads closed or impacted by Hurricane Helene are now reopened. Furthermore, over $105 million in grants and loans have been awarded to nearly 3,000 small businesses, which has helped retain nearly 15,000 jobs across western North Carolina.
The Governor continues to advocate for a significant federal commitment to the region's recovery. He is urging Congress for a new $10 billion appropriation. This federal funding would include $5 billion to rebuild infrastructure, $3 billion to construct more housing, and $1.5 billion to support broader economic recovery. This proposed appropriation would also support small businesses and local governments, restore dams and streambanks, rebuild private roads and bridges, and repair federal highways, ensuring a comprehensive recovery for the High Country and other affected areas. Local governments in eligible counties are encouraged to continue submitting applications for SmBIZ funding while it remains available.
