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NCDEQ awards $25 million in community recycling infrastructure grants for Hurricane Helene recovery

NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (.gov)· June 29, 2026

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has awarded $25 million in grants to support 16 waste reduction and debris management projects across western North Carolina. Funded through the Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure (HRRI) program, these grants aim to repair facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene and enhance the region's long-term resilience against future storms. This initiative is critical for the waste management sector as it addresses the massive influx of storm debris and the need for modernized organic waste systems in disaster-prone areas.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson announced the allocation of $25 million for 16 projects in western North Carolina through the Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure (HRRI) grant program. The funding, which originates from 2024 federal disaster recovery legislation via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is directed toward local governments to repair and develop recycling infrastructure. These projects are designed to improve waste reduction capabilities and strengthen organic debris management systems to ensure the region is better prepared for future environmental disasters.

Governor Josh Stein and Secretary Wilson highlighted the severe impact of Hurricane Helene, which damaged recycling facilities and left enormous amounts of storm debris across the mountains. Governor Stein noted that while recovery efforts have been underway for 20 months, the rebuilding of critical waste infrastructure remains a priority for local governments. The grants are intended to help communities rebuild systems and equipment to manage waste more efficiently, directly addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the storm's destruction.

The high demand for infrastructure support is evidenced by the 45 applications submitted to the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS), totaling $145 million in requested funds. With only $25 million awarded, the state faces nearly $100 million in unmet needs for recycling and waste management improvements, even after factoring in local matching funds. This significant funding gap illustrates the ongoing challenges for the waste management sector in North Carolina as it seeks to modernize and secure its infrastructure against increasing climate risks.

Read the full story at NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (.gov)

Summary generated by RabbitReport AI from public reporting. The full article and original reporting belong to NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (.gov).

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