The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources is awarding more than $7.3 million to support repairs for several high-hazard dams that were damaged during Hurricane Helene.
A high-hazard dam is defined as one where failure would likely result in loss of life or significant damage to homes, buildings, public utilities, primary highways or major railroads.
These grants are funded through a $10 million allocation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. Following this initial round, $2.7 million remains available and will be distributed through a second application period.
Following Hurricane Helene, DEMLR staff inspected more than 400 dams across mountain communities. After conducting outreach to affected dam owners, the division received approximately 20 applications, with eight projects selected for funding.
In The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, a total of about $200,000 was awarded to the Lake Junaluska dam.
After the storm, DEMLR regional staff spent several weeks in Western North Carolina assessing approximately 40 damaged dams, 36 of which were classified as high-hazard. Damage ranged from minor erosion to full failure caused by overtopping.
The second application period will open on Feb.18 and closes at 5 p.m. on June 19. Eligible dam owners may apply for funding to support design-construction plans for the repair, modification, removal or breach projects related to Hurricane Helene damage. Additional information and application materials are available at deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-and-land-resources/dam-safety-program-overview#tab-fundingopportunities-13107.