News & Updates Helene Recovery Press Releases WNC Recovery Newsletter Helene Recovery in the News March 20, 2025 Parts of South Mountains State Park reopen for the first time since Helene South Mountains State Park will partially reopen on March 17, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced Monday. The state park has been closed since fall 2024 due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The state continues to grapple with recovering from the devastating storm. February 28, 2025 Unusual material allows NCDOT to build fast after Helene North of Asheville, the Hobson Branch Road bridge over Ivy Creek has been rebuilt in a little more than four months. It looks much the same, except with shiny new guardrails and fresh black asphalt. As you drive over, there’s nothing to suggest that the bridge is actually made of two old railroad flatcars. Learn more in this article from the Raleigh News & Observer. February 28, 2025 After Helene, NC restaurants struggle, but one barbecue business found its footing As restaurants across Western North Carolina continue to face significant challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue has emerged as a rare success story in the region’s recovery. The Waynesville-born business, which has weathered its own trials — including a devastating fire and the impact of the storm — has managed to not only survive but thrive. February 21, 2025 Former UNC coach Roy Williams helps with Helene relief Last month a few companies teamed up with former UNC head coach Roy Williams to give the call of a lifetime, forgiving $10 million in consumer debt for Helene victims in western North Carolina. The University of North Carolina Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach gave a hand in calling the 6,500 residents whose debt was relieved. Williams told callers it was no-strings-attached, and they didn’t have to do anything.
