Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Dear Friends,

One year ago, Hurricane Helene changed everything.

Across Western North Carolina, more than 100 lives were lost. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Entire communities were left without power, food, and running water for weeks.

In those first hours and days, people came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. And MountainTrue joined first responders, community groups, and churches to meet urgent needs. We organized supply deliveries. Carried medicines and essentials into areas cut off by the storm. Even fired up a mobile grilling operation to serve thousands of hot meals to families in the hardest-hit communities.

As days turned into weeks, people’s needs kept changing. So we stayed flexible. We tested wells, water, and soil for contamination. Partnered with Wine to Water to distribute water filters and well-testing kits. Sent chainsaw crews to clear roads and homes. And even helped set up a mobile laundry station in the Emma community.

But recovery isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow.

That’s why we launched the Appalachian Design Center to help communities like Swannanoa, Hot Springs, and Marshall rebuild stronger. We partnered with American Rivers and the Pew Charitable Trusts to secure $10 million from the state to remove hazardous dams damaged by the storm.

And we piloted an ambitious debris-cleanup program that put people back to work restoring our rivers—out-of-work guides, hospitality staff, and others hit hardest by the storm. With the help of volunteers, that program removed more than 3 million pounds of trash from local waterways.

Now, with support from the State of North Carolina, we’re expanding the program to provide more jobs and mobilize even more volunteers to clean up rivers, lakes, and streamfronts across Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary.

As we look back on this past year, we know the work isn’t over. Recovery means building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for all of us.

And we want to mark this moment together.

On Thursday, October 2, please join us in Asheville for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering Honoring the Challenge, the Recovery, and the People Making It Happen. This will be a time to reflect, to honor the lives and communities forever changed, and to celebrate the resilience, generosity, and determination that make Western North Carolina strong.

Thank you for being MountainTrue. Together, we will protect the places we share.

With gratitude,
Bob Wagner, Executive Director
MountainTrue

Join Us for Stronger Than the Storm

Join us on October 2 for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering. Together we’ll reflect, honor our communities, and celebrate the resilience and generosity that make WNC strong.

Help Us Rebuild Better Than Ever

Discover how communities are rebuilding stronger and smarter in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—visit appalachiandesign.org

Help Us Clean Up Our Rivers

Want to help restore our rivers? Visit cleanupwncrivers.com to volunteer, donate, or learn more about how you can make a difference today.

Support the Work of MountainTrue

Your gift powers clean rivers, resilient forests, and healthy communities. Donate to MountainTrue today and help us build a safer, stronger, and more resilient future together.

MT Raleigh Report –  Legislative Update: Crunch Time in Raleigh: Where Key Bills for WNC Stand

MT Raleigh Report – Legislative Update: Crunch Time in Raleigh: Where Key Bills for WNC Stand

MT Raleigh Report – Legislative Update: Crunch Time in Raleigh: Where Key Bills for WNC Stand

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer—but in Raleigh, it signals something else: the homestretch of the North Carolina General Assembly’s legislative session.

While our legislature doesn’t have a firm end date, the new fiscal year begins on July 1. Republican leaders in both the Senate and House—where the GOP holds majorities—are signaling that they want to finalize a state budget and wrap up the session soon after.

That means the next few weeks will be the most important of the year for shaping North Carolina’s policies and spending priorities. Key decisions are still up in the air, and lawmakers will need to find agreement—or risk dragging the session deep into the summer or leaving town without finalizing a budget, again.

Here’s where things stand—and how they affect Western North Carolina:

Helene Recovery: Progress, But More Work Ahead

The Senate’s proposed budget includes $700 million for disaster recovery following Hurricane Helene—but offers no details on how or when the funds would be used.

Meanwhile, the House has taken a clearer step forward, passing a stand-alone recovery bill—House Bill 1012 (HB1012)—that allocates $464 million in targeted relief, including $60 million for a long-overdue small business loan program, $45 million for water infrastructure and underground storage tank bridge loan programs, $55 million for NC Dept. of Agriculture for wildfire preparedness, streamflow assistance, and other farm assistance, $12.5 million for state and local park cleanup, and $15 million for debris removal unmet needs, among other items.

Thanks to weeks of advocacy by MountainTrue and our supporters, the House bill also includes $10 million for dam removal—a critical investment that would unlock federal funding to remove aging, hazardous dams that pose a serious risk during heavy storms, including the over 40 dams severely damaged in Helene that are now prone to failure. HB1012 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The Budget Battle

Crafting the state’s two-year budget remains lawmakers’ top task—but it won’t be easy. Budget forecasts show potential deficits in the coming years. While House Republicans want to slow the pace of tax cuts until revenues rebound, Senate Republicans are pushing for faster, deeper tax cuts and dispute the deficit projections.

On Helene recovery, both chambers agree more help is needed—but differ on how to deliver it. The House wants to pass HB1012 on its own, avoiding delays tied to broader budget negotiations. The Senate appears likely to fold the bill into the budget, making it harder for Democrats to oppose—or for Gov. Josh Stein to veto—without jeopardizing critical relief.

Housing: ADUs Can Help Fix the Crisis

One of MountainTrue’s top legislative priorities is promoting housing options that allow us to address our housing shortage without creating sprawl and negatively impacting our natural environment. That’s why we support reforms such as legislation that would require local governments to allow the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—also known as “granny flats” or in-law suites.

These small homes, often built on lots with existing houses, provide lower-cost, in-fill housing so we can build in and up instead of out into our forests, farms, and open spaces.  While several ADU bills have been introduced, they’ve stalled in both chambers. MountainTrue is urging lawmakers to move forward on ADU legislation before the end of the session.

How You Can Help

The decisions made over the next few weeks will shape North Carolina’s future—and your voice matters.

Please contact your state Senator and urge them to:

  • Support the dam removal funding in HB1012 to protect communities and leverage federal dollars.
  • Pass HB1012 as a stand-alone bill, so critical aid reaches families, small businesses, and local governments without delay.
  • Advance SB495 to allow Accessory Dwelling Units, a practical step to increase affordable housing options in our communities.

Thank you for standing with MountainTrue as we fight for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Western North Carolina.

MT Raleigh Report –  Legislative Update: Crunch Time in Raleigh: Where Key Bills for WNC Stand

MT Raleigh Report – HB47 is A Critical $500M Lifeline for Western NC Recovery

MT Raleigh Report – HB47 is A Critical $500M Lifeline for Western NC Recovery

If you’re surprised to learn that the North Carolina General Assembly has been in session since January, you’re not alone. Despite the urgent needs of Western NC following Hurricane Helene, the legislature has yet to approve a relief package so far this year.

That may soon change. This week, the state House is expected to approve HB47, a $500 million relief bill. While that’s a step in the right direction, the bill still faces uncertainty in the Senate, and it remains unclear when and at what amount the General Assembly will use its billions in unspent reserves for disaster aid.

What’s in HB47?

HB47 would allocate state funds for housing, environmental restoration, debris removal, small business grants, and other critical recovery efforts. MountainTrue supports this bill, particularly the funding for debris removal and restoration projects. You can find a plain-English summary of the latest version of the bill here.

What’s Next?

If the bill passes the House as expected, it will still need approval from the Senate, which has shown less urgency on disaster relief. Senate leaders tend to be more cautious about spending and want to wait for federal agencies like FEMA to complete their recovery work before committing state funds. This could delay progress or result in a reduced package.

MountainTrue has already reached out to Senate leaders to advocate for quick approval of HB47 as written. Our staff will be in Raleigh this week to meet with lawmakers across both parties to stress the importance of timely disaster assistance and share our priorities for the 2025 legislative session.

You can read our full 2025 legislative agenda here.

Looking Ahead

HB47 is just the beginning. House leaders have indicated that it will be the first of several disaster relief bills for Western NC. However, differences between the House and Senate are likely to continue, particularly regarding the amount and structure of disaster funding. The Senate’s preference may be to address this through the broader 2025-2027 state budget process, which typically takes months to finalize.

Governor Josh Stein expressed support for the House’s disaster recovery bill as a good start while calling for even larger investments in recovery. He also urged the federal government to provide an additional $19 billion in disaster aid.

Why Your Support Matters

The General Assembly’s action – or inaction – on Helene recovery underscores the importance of having a strong voice for Western NC in Raleigh. That’s why MountainTrue is proud to be the only WNC environmental organization with a year-round lobbyist in the state capital. Your support makes that possible, and we are deeply grateful.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue advocating for a strong, swift recovery for our region.

MT Raleigh Report: Politics, Disaster Relief, and the Fight for Western North Carolina’s Future

MT Raleigh Report: Politics, Disaster Relief, and the Fight for Western North Carolina’s Future

MT Raleigh Report: Politics, Disaster Relief, and the Fight for Western North Carolina’s Future

What a year – in Raleigh and, of course, in Western North Carolina. 

Among the many lessons those of us here in the mountains learned, again, this year is that what happens – or does not – in Raleigh has a real impact on our communities, our mountains, and our future.

Certainly, that has to be one of the takeaways about the North Carolina General Assembly’s response to the disaster that hit the mountains a couple of months ago. Since September, the legislature has approved three bills that included disaster-related funding for a total of $1.13 billion in state funds. Click here for an overview of the legislature’s efforts on the disaster to date. 

The most recent of these bills is SB382, which included $225 million transferred to a state fund for disaster relief but NOT approved for any specific program or project. Leaving that transfer aside, SB382 included a mere $32 million approved for disaster relief. The remaining balance must be earmarked and approved by the legislature before it reaches WNC.

Beyond the first dozen or so pages loosely focused around disaster relief are over 100 pages of “Various Law Changes,” the real meat of SB382 designed largely to shift power away from the executive branch. This power grab disguised as disaster relief caused three WNC Republican Representatives – Mike Clampitt, Karl Gillespie, and Mark Pless – to join Democrats in voting against the bill, although it passed both the House and Senate in otherwise party-line votes. It also prompted Governor Cooper to veto the bill, but his veto was later overridden by Republican supermajorities in both chambers and became law. Despite their initial opposition to the bill, Clampitt, Gillespie, and Pless all voted to override the veto and allow the bill to become law. 

So why is disaster relief getting held up? It’s certainly not because money’s tight. State Budget officials recently told a legislative committee has a whopping $9.1 billion in inappropriate reserves, including almost $4.8 billion that was in the state’s “rainy day fund” itself when Helene hit, plus $1 billion in a stabilization and inflation reserve and another $732.5 million in a emergency response/disaster reserve. Legislators could also use another $1.1 billion from savings and still remain in compliance with state law.

Gov. Cooper’s request for a $3.9 billion state set-aside for hurricane relief presumed the use of about $3.5 billion from these sources. 

So, if money is not the problem, what is the hold up on state disaster relief? For their part, budget writers for the Republican majorities in the House and Senate argue that it’s smart policy to hold back state relief funding and allow federal disaster relief to make its way to the region. They worry that if state funds are used on efforts that are eligible for federal relief, the feds may not reimburse the state for its recovery efforts. GOP budget writers say it’s better to let the federal money be the first in – and the state funding the last to address needs FEMA and other federal programs do not get to. They also point out that Congress is likely to provide more money for WNC recovery before the end of 2024. 

The problem with waiting, of course, is that many in WNC need help, now, for things we know that the federal government won’t pay for. Many small business owners, for example, can’t afford to take on more debt via the disaster loan programs offered by FEMA. Without direct grants, many business owners say their businesses won’t survive the disaster.

Debris removal is also an urgent need. While the federal agencies and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have both state and federal funds to help local governments clear rivers of storm debris, these funds are often restricted to trees and other natural debris – not the cars, trucks, and tons of garbage that were swept into every river basin in the region – and are further restricted to those debris jams that pose a risk to flooding or structural damage. The funding is also distributed locally, making regional clean-up efforts more difficult to get up and running. And timing is important: our rivers and streams need to be safe and ready to use come spring when the outdoor recreational season brings thousands of visitors and their dollars to the region. 

With those waters  – and our outdoor economy – in mind, MountainTrue has asked legislators to fund a regional debris clean-up effort that is also supported by the outdoor recreation industry’s umbrella group, the Outdoor Recreation Coalition. Our goal is to employ those in the outdoor industry, who have been displaced by the disaster, to clear out tons of debris in time for the start of the recreation season this spring. Despite the legislature’s reluctance to use state funds for this kind of effort, MountainTrue has started a small pilot program in Madison County with private funds that will make some popular whitewater safe for paddlers early in 2025. 

We plan to use this pilot to continue to lobby legislators for debris removal funding – and employment for those put out of work by the disaster. Early word in Raleigh is that legislators will take up a state-funded package of disaster recovery efforts early in their 2025 session, which begins in late January. 

Looking further back into the legislature’s work this year doesn’t provide much more to celebrate. With GOP supermajorities in both the House and Senate AND a budget surplus topping $1 billion, legislative leaders were unable to muster the votes to send a revised budget for FY2024-2025 to Gov Cooper this summer. In the absence of a revised budget, they left the surplus uninvested and dozens of important conservation projects, including many in WNC, unfunded. 

Unfortunately, the 2025 legislative session doesn’t provide much hope that lawmakers will address the many issues facing North Carolina. With the GOP supermajority now gone in the House, the 2025 session promises to be a drawn-out stalemate between the GOP leadership in the General Assembly and Governor-elect Josh Stein, a Democrat.

For its part, MountainTrue will continue to be in the middle of debates about disaster recovery and rebuilding, clean water and air, and sustainable development and rebuilding. Thank you for the investments you make in MountainTrue and its work in Raleigh – we couldn’t do it without you. 

Action Alert: Help Us Remove Debris From Our Rivers After Hurricane Helene

Action Alert: Help Us Remove Debris From Our Rivers After Hurricane Helene

Action Alert: Help Us Remove Debris From Our Rivers After Hurricane Helene

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Our rivers are in a state of emergency. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left our waterways choked with millions of tons of debris and pollution. While our communities have shown resilience in the face of this disaster, the task of restoring our rivers is a pressing and ongoing one. Below are photos from a recent scouting trip down the Swannanoa River that underscore just how much work is still left to be done. 

Yet, we’re left anxiously waiting for the “Big Cleanup,” which will require millions of dollars in state investment. This will help us get boots on the ground and hire hundreds of out-of-work people in our region to clean up and restore our rivers.

Please take action today by emailing your NC Senate and House leaders to let them know that the recovery of our rivers and local outdoor economy needs their help. It is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and inclusion in Helene relief legislation expected to be taken up this week at the NC General Assembly.

What’s at Stake:

  • Outdoor Recreation Drives Our Economy: Outdoor recreation contributes $4.9 billion in visitor spending annually to our region, supports 48,000 full-time jobs, and generates $197.5 million in county taxes. 
  • Our Rivers Are Central to Recreation: 36% of visitors come to fish, 24% to swim, and 14% to paddle or tube. Without healthy rivers, these economic and cultural benefits are at risk. (MADE x MTNS Outdoor Recreation Participation Study)
  • A Unified Call for Action: The health of our rivers is not a partisan issue. It’s a matter of public safety, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality.

We need your voice to convince our lawmakers to swiftly pass a robust Hurricane Relief package that includes the funding we need to remove debris from our rivers and protect our outdoor economy.

Take Action Today:

  1. Email Your Legislators Now:
    Tell your NC Senate and House leaders why restoring our rivers matters to you and your community.
  2. Make It Personal:
    Share your story about how our rivers impact your life, whether it’s through fishing, paddling, swimming, or simply enjoying their natural beauty. Make sure your voice is heard.
  3. Spread the Word:
    Share this alert with friends and family. The more people who take action, the louder our call for restoration will be.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s restore our rivers, protect our outdoor economy, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and bounty of Western North Carolina’s waterways.

Sincerely, 

Hartwell Carson
French Broad Riverkeeper
& Interim Clean Waters Director

Photos taken from a November 15 scouting trip down the Swannanoa

MountainTrue Advocates for Environmental Priorities During Raleigh Lobbying Trip

MountainTrue Advocates for Environmental Priorities During Raleigh Lobbying Trip

MountainTrue Advocates for Environmental Priorities During Raleigh Lobbying Trip

Photo: MountainTrue’s Legislative Advocacy Team sits down with Senator Tim Moffitt to discuss the specifics of a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bill.

At the beginning of May, the MountainTrue legislative advocacy team embarked on a lobbying trip to Raleigh, marking our first visit to the NC General Assembly’s short session. This trip was instrumental in advancing our legislative agenda and fostering meaningful conversations with key lawmakers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Dudley Greene, Jimmy Dixon, Jake Johnson, Jennifer Balkcom, Eric Ager, Ray Pickett, and Senators Warren Daniel, Kevin Corbin, Tim Moffitt, and Julie Mayfield. We also appreciate the staff of House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Burger for their valuable time and engagement.

During our meetings, we discussed the various programs, projects, and policies that MountainTrue supports. We shared our legislative priorities for the session, receiving positive feedback and valuable insights from our legislators. Here are the key initiatives we are focusing on this year:

Helping Property Owners Reduce Stormwater Pollution

The Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a vital initiative that allows local soil and water districts to assist property owners in reducing stormwater pollution. Unfortunately, the demand for CCAP exceeds its current funding. By advocating for dedicated funding for the CCAP program, particularly in the French Broad River watershed, we aim to significantly reduce stormwater pollution in areas frequently used for recreation.

Supporting Rural Families with Failing Septic Systems

MountainTrue has partnered with NC DHHS to administer funding for repairing failing septic systems in Western North Carolina. This partnership has inspired Buncombe County to launch its own septic repair program. We are pushing for grants to local health departments in WNC to enable other counties to establish their own programs, thereby improving public health and environmental quality in rural areas.

Expanding E. coli Monitoring in the French Broad River

By expanding the state’s real-time E. coli bacteria detection program in the French Broad River, we can provide the public with accurate and timely information about bacteria pollution levels. This expansion is crucial for ensuring the safety of the river, which is heavily used for recreational activities.

Securing State Trail Designations for Paddle Trails

We are working to secure State Trail designations for the First Broad River in Cleveland County and the Watauga River in Watauga County. These designations will accelerate the development of paddle trails, enhancing recreational and economic opportunities for local communities.

Advocating for Local Projects and Smart Infill Development

MountainTrue is actively seeking funding for several local projects, including dam removals, trails, and greenways throughout the WNC region. Additionally, we are advocating for legislation that mandates local governments to adopt ordinances permitting the construction of accessory dwelling units in residential areas. This initiative aims to promote smart infill development, address the housing shortage, reduce the climate impacts of commuting, and protect rural areas from sprawling development.

Stay Connected and Support MountainTrue

As the session progresses, we will continue to update you on our advocacy efforts and achievements. Your support is crucial in ensuring that WNC has a strong voice for the environment in the General Assembly. MountainTrue is proud to be the only environmental organization in WNC with a full-time presence in Raleigh, and with your continued support, we can make a significant impact.

Thank you for standing with us in our mission to protect and preserve the environment in WNC. Stay tuned for more updates and action opportunities!