North Carolina will receive $34.2 million in grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to go toward seven projects that will expand economic opportunity and support long-term recovery across the region. 

Projects receiving grants through the U.S. Economic Development Administration stretch across the region and represent a collaborative effort between universities, community colleges, local governments, private entities and philanthropies.

In The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, this includes $1.2 million for the Western Carolina University-Cullowhee Dam in Jackson County.

Through the EDA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, Congress made available approximately $1.5 billion to support economic recovery in areas across the country that received major disaster declarations in 2023 and 2024. Partnering with private and philanthropic organizations, Gov. Stein’s administration has worked to support and strengthen more than 20 EDA funding applications in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The EDA continues to review applications on a rolling basis. Earlier this month, Cleveland Community College in Shelby was awarded a $1.7 million EDA grant to support the construction of a health care workforce training facility.

In a release, Stein celebrated the grants.

“Western North Carolina is working hard to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, and these grants are going to help communities build on that momentum,” Stein said. “We are grateful to our federal partners for investing in the region’s recovery and creating new opportunities for people and businesses. Let’s keep at it and work together to build a stronger Western North Carolina.”

Congressional Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) also offered his sentiments in a news release of his own.

“Western North Carolina’s recovery is ongoing, and today’s announcement is another important step forward,” Edwards said. “These investments will strengthen infrastructure, support job creation and help ensure our communities remain competitive for years to come. I appreciate the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration for recognizing the needs of our region and partnering with us to build a stronger future.”