The Division of Soil & Water Conservation is accepting applications for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. This process makes $38 million available for projects to repair stream damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Additional information is available about these application windows, including guidance on completing applications. Application Windows
Topics Related to Local Governments
Regional councils of government support local governments across North Carolina with technical assistance, planning support and guidance as they navigate federal and state funding opportunities. The association helps member governments make sense of complex program requirements so they can better serve their communities. While this work is directed to local governments, the benefit ultimately reaches residents through stronger services, smoother recovery efforts, and improved capacity.Councils of Government serving the most impacted western North Carolina counties:
The Helene Recovery Fund through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local governments for the acquisition and/or development of park and recreational projects to serve the public. Learn more and apply by January 30, 2026.
Local governments impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for funding to support the rebuilding and strengthening of waste reduction and recycling systems.
Charitable organizations across western North Carolina have year-round access to an inventory of tools and equipment from the Charlotte ToolBank. Borrowing ToolBank tools is inexpensive, convenient and fully functional, intended to improve community engagement and achieve greater impact.
Eligible applicants for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Recovery Grant program can apply for technical assistance from NCGrowth at the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise, which will provide Return on Investment (ROI) and Impact Analysis Assessments for a limited number of eligible applicants free of charge. These analyses are designed to strengthen applications from western North Carolina for the competitive nationwide EDA process.Projects will be selected for this assistance at three intervals:
Hurricane Helene-impacted communities can request to receive on-site economic recovery assistance through one- to two-day Resource Team visits that are tailored to meet communities’ unique needs. The Rural Economic Development Division of the NC Department of Commerce will provide ongoing assistance and direct support to help communities implement strategies identified during visits.
Local governments can access assistance with Hurricane Helene recovery through the UNC School of Government. Topics include Local Government Authority, Mutual Aid, Finance, Procurement, Utilities, Public Health, and Planning and Permitting.