The US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service said it, along with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, has entered into multi-million Good Neighbor Agreement to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina.

The $290 million agreement is expected to speed up recovery efforts, create new jobs, reduce overall costs and strengthen communities impacted by the hurricane in 2024.

It will also empower the performance of recovery efforts across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests by the commission over the next 10 years. These efforts will include removing storm debris, repairing roads and recreation areas, managing invasive species, restoring damaged watersheds and improving wildlife habitat.

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said, “Helping communities recover from Helene has been a top priority for the Forest Service since the storm tore through the Southeast more than a year ago. North Carolina’s national forests are an economic powerhouse, bringing billions of dollars into local communities through world‑class outdoor recreation. Restoring access means restoring both livelihoods and the family moments that make these forests so meaningful.”

This agreement is the largest of its kind for the forest service.

Source: foxcarolina.com