North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein and emergency management officials are urging residents of western North Carolina to apply for a program designed to repair private roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane caused extensive damage, affecting over 8,000 private roads and bridges in the region.

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of repairing these routes: “Helene caused significant damage to over 8,000 private roads and bridges that often serve as the only access route for many ambulances, fire trucks, mail delivery vehicles, school buses, and for people to get to school, work, and run errands,” he said. “If left unrepaired, these critical private roads and bridges pose a substantial risk to public safety, including preventing repairs to people’s homes. If you need bridge or road repair, I encourage you to apply through this portal.”

In response to the damages from Hurricane Helene across North Carolina, Governor Stein issued Executive Order #2 on January 2, 2025. This order directed North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) to provide state assistance for repairing private infrastructure. Consequently, the North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB) was established.

The NCEM is actively working with state legislators to secure additional funding while contracting services from vendors for repair work. To streamline applications for assistance under this program, NCEM has launched a webpage where property owners can express their interest.

Additionally, disaster survivors seeking further resources can contact the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program. More details are available at www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.