OLD FORT, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Gov. Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Old Fort on Thursday to highlight new state and federal investments aimed at strengthening water and sewer systems across Western North Carolina following damage from Tropical Storm Helene.

Stein announced last week that $270 million in grants will support 58 water systems in 26 western counties affected by the storm. The funding is intended to help local governments and water authorities improve the resilience of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Old Fort is slated to receive $15 million from the program — $10 million for a drinking water system resiliency project and $5 million for sewer system improvements.

North Carolina is the first state affected by Helene to distribute its federal allocation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water and Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund disaster programs, state officials said. The administration said it is emphasizing speed and transparency in directing recovery aid to the region.

“Just like so many towns across Western North Carolina, Old Fort suffered the deluge of Hurricane Helene,” Stein said in a statement. “These investments will help the town shore up its drinking water and sewer systems so families can count on safe and reliable services, even when storms hit.”

Wilson said the storm underscored the need for long-term preparation against flooding and infrastructure failures.

“Public health is our top priority at DEQ, and that starts with ensuring each North Carolinian has access to clean drinking water,” he said in a statement. “With these water infrastructure grants, we’re on our way to achieving this goal.”

The grants will fund a range of projects across the region, including drinking water and wastewater resiliency improvements in Chimney Rock Village, Clyde and Crossnore.

Stein has made Western North Carolina’s recovery a focus of his administration. Earlier this fall, he announced a $6 million investment in flood mitigation projects along rivers in the region. State officials said Stein has announced more than $356 million this year for water system repairs and upgrades in areas affected by Helene and more than $850 million in water infrastructure funding statewide.

The awards are approved quarterly by the North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority. Applications for water infrastructure repair and upgrade funding will be accepted through March 2, 2026.