When Tropical Storm Helene struck Western North Carolina in September, it left a trail of destruction, damaging approximately 5,000 private bridges. The storm’s torrential rains caused severe flooding and landslides, disrupting access to homes and communities. In response, nonprofit organizations are mobilizing to assist in the rebuilding efforts, providing much-needed support to affected residents.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical Storm Helene damaged around 5,000 private bridges in Western North Carolina.
- The estimated cost for repairing these bridges is around $460 million.
- Nonprofits like Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas and Mennonite Disaster Service are leading the rebuilding efforts.
- FEMA has allocated $8.2 million for road and bridge repairs, with many applications still pending.
The Impact of Helene
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene was catastrophic for the region’s infrastructure. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management reported that the storm caused over $8 billion in damages to state-maintained roads and bridges. However, the private sector was not spared, with significant damage to private roads and bridges limiting access to numerous neighborhoods.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received nearly 7,000 damage reports related to private roads and bridges. As of early December, FEMA had awarded $8.2 million to over 2,700 households for repairs, but many residents are still waiting for assistance.
Nonprofit Initiatives
In light of the extensive damage, nonprofit organizations are stepping in to help rebuild the private bridges that were destroyed. Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas and Mennonite Disaster Service have formed the Bridging Together Partnership, which will focus on repairing bridges that serve multiple families or vulnerable populations.
- Project Areas: The partnership will operate in several counties, including Avery, Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell, Rutherford, and Yancey.
- Funding: They recently received a $2 million grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to support their efforts.
- First Project: The first bridge to be rebuilt will serve a community of 16 families in Henderson County, restoring vital access to their homes.
Building Resilience
The rebuilding efforts are not just about restoring access; they also aim to create more resilient infrastructure. The design for the new bridges incorporates advanced engineering techniques, utilizing materials like steel pipes, beams, and rebar to withstand future storms and flooding. This proactive approach is essential in a region prone to severe weather events.
Rev. Ray Sipe, the disaster coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating that the new designs will ensure that the bridges are durable and less likely to be washed away in future floods.
How to Get Assistance
Homeowners seeking FEMA funding for bridge and road repairs must apply through the agency’s individual assistance program. For shared access routes, assistance is coordinated among multiple applicants, requiring additional documentation.
Residents can apply for FEMA disaster assistance through the official website or by using the FEMA app. Nonprofits involved in the rebuilding efforts can also provide guidance and support for those in need.
As the community rallies together to recover from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the collaborative efforts of nonprofits and government agencies are crucial in restoring access and rebuilding hope for the affected families.
Sources
- Helene damaged 5,000 private bridges. Nonprofits are helping rebuild., The Asheville Citizen Times.
