Hurricane Helene Relief: Getting Western NC Back on Track
Accelerating disaster recovery and building resilience in North Carolina
by: Carl Warren, President & CEO
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) launched the Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program on October 8th to assist with recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Created to help restore rail infrastructure and support disaster-impacted communities, the grant program aims to contribute to North Carolina’s transportation and economic recovery. Today, we’re encouraged by the progress being made as communities work to rebuild.
When disaster strikes, timely support for commerce, business continuity and infrastructure repair can play a meaningful role in recovery efforts. NCRR was fortunate to be able to commit $10 million in funds, which were approved 12 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in western North Carolina. To date, NCRR has awarded approximately $8.2 million within FEMA-designated disaster areas to aid with recovery. About $1.8 million remains available for additional support in western North Carolina.
Grantees used the funds to clear trees and debris that obstructed rail lines, repair and replace damaged tracks, and restore rail cars and facilities to full operation. The grants also helped stabilize operations so industries could resume work and preserve jobs.
The hurricane’s devastation among our western communities was unimaginable, and NCRR felt compelled to find a way to help. Working with the urgency the situation required, we established a funding mechanism to help short-line railroads, rail-served industries, and nonprofit economic development organizations throughout the impacted region.
Currently, numerous infrastructure projects are underway that we hope will benefit local businesses, workers, and residents.
Back-on-Track supported 13 grantees including:
★ Class II and Class III short-line railroads for infrastructure repair, operational stabilization, and wage support – totaling $3.5 million.
★ Rail-served industries for site recovery and operations stabilization with $4.5 million in funds.
★ Nonprofit economic development organizations to assist with financial stability and disaster recovery planning in the amount of $191,000.
These infrastructure investments aim to help restore livelihoods and contribute to communities’ long-term recovery. The Back-on-Track program has helped expedite disaster recovery efforts, improve coordination among partners, and direct funding where needed.
We understand the recovery work is far from over. If your rail-served organization is still facing challenges, NCRR has available relief funds that may support your recovery. Contact us at info@ncrr.com.
Together, we can work toward rebuilding a more resilient North Carolina.