In a recent development, Warren Wilson College has secured $1.5 million in funds for Hurricane Helene recovery following the passage of House Bill 358 by the state legislature.
This funding announcement comes after an unexpected exclusion of Warren Wilson from the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025—Part II in June, which left the college’s president, Damián Fernández, surprised.
Fernández actively engaged with lawmakers to advocate for the college, inviting bipartisan state senators to visit the campus in August.
“ This was a bipartisan approach that the college took, and it was a bipartisan effort that got us to the finish line,” Fernández said. “We appreciate the fact that so many of our (elected) leaders heard our story and responded appropriately to address our needs.”
Situated in Swannanoa, which was severely affected, the college reported over $12 million in damages from Helene, with half of its buildings impacted when the Swannanoa River surged to 26.1 feet, as reported by Carolina Public Press.
Initially, when the House Appropriations Committee proposed the bill in May, Warren Wilson was to receive $1.5 million. Although the bill passed the House unanimously in June, the state Senate later removed all higher education institutions from the funding list, according to Carolina Public Press.
A temporary joint committee of four Republican senators and four Republican representatives convened to reconcile the bill’s differences. The result included funding for six private schools and three UNC system schools, while Warren Wilson was left out.
BPR attempted to contact Republican Sen. Warren Daniel, representing Buncombe, Burke, and McDowell counties, for an explanation on the college’s exclusion but did not receive a response in time for publication.
“ It was of course extremely frustrating that the money was left out,” Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe County) expressed to BPR. “I’m glad that has been resolved. That wrong has been righted. My constituents in the area were very confused as to why Warren wasn’t included in the first place. It was clear to all of us that live here that the college was hit very hard.”
With the newly secured funds, Warren Wilson plans to continue its Helene recovery, focusing on cleanup, rebuilding fences, and enhancing building resilience.
“ We want to make sure that the next time around we’re in a better position to withstand what nature can bring our way,” Fernández added.
