Last Updated on September 25, 2026 10:50 am
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Stein announced $65 million for the second round of a state-funded grant program to support local governments and volunteer fire departments in their recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) will administer the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program to repair, renovate, or replace infrastructure damaged by the hurricane.
“Local governments and volunteer fire departments have been essential to rebuilding our communities since Hurricane Helene, and I thank the General Assembly for investing in them,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Continued funding for this program will help towns and counties across western North Carolina strengthen critical infrastructure and provide resources to the volunteer fire departments that keep people safe.”
The grant program is open to units of local government, federally recognized tribes, and volunteer fire departments with infrastructure needs created by Hurricane Helene. Eligible projects must be in FEMA-designated areas and must be ineligible for FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement. Grant award amounts will be based on statutory caps per recipient and county.
“Our team is ready to get this money out quickly and efficiently and appreciates the collaboration with our local recovery partners,” said State Budget Director Kristin Walker.
The deadline for eligible local governments, federally recognized tribes, and volunteer fire departments to apply is November 23, 2026.
For more information about the grant program and the application process, visit the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program page.
