The picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is on the brink of full accessibility once again. After being significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene over a year and a half ago, a vital 35-mile section remains closed but is nearing the end of its restoration journey.
Efforts to mend the damaged stretch, extending from Linville Gorge to Mount Mitchell State Park, are anticipated to conclude by the end of the year, as shared by Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “All of those projects are awarded. All of those projects are in construction as we speak,” Swartout reported during a presentation to the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina on March 6. She enthusiastically described it as “the best news ever.”
While repairs are underway, travelers should prepare for increased traffic and construction activity, especially between Asheville and Mount Mitchell. “You’re going to see some traffic,” Swartout noted. “And you might even have to slow down on the Parkway, which I know some people don’t want to do. But slowing down on the Parkway, especially right now, is a good thing.”
Once the road repairs are complete, attention will shift to additional projects, including trail restoration, debris removal, wildfire mitigation, and the rejuvenation of the Linville Falls Visitor Center.
“It’s a shocking amount of work,” expressed Lisa Brandon, a spokesperson for the Parkway. The primary focus for the initial 16 months was simply to “get the damn road open.” The total damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene on the Blue Ridge Parkway is estimated at $1.7 billion.
State Allocates $75 Million for Child Care Facility Recovery
In a parallel effort, North Carolina has secured new funding to enhance child care infrastructure, as discussed at a recent GROW NC meeting. The federal government has allocated $75.8 million to support facilities affected by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, with the funds managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Hurricane Helene damaged over 230 child care centers, while Tropical Storm Debby impacted about 100 facilities. The funds, available until 2030, are designated for construction, repair, materials, equipment, activities, and mental health services.
“I’m really grateful not just for the federal government, but also for the state government and for the various child care centers who have been very communicative about their needs,” stated GROW NC Director Matt Calabria. He expressed hope that the $75 million will significantly aid regional recovery efforts.
The funding originates from the American Relief Act of 2024, with North Carolina already benefiting from over $3 billion of the act’s $110 billion package.
