Now for the latest on the impact of Helene. The state has received $100 million in federal aid to repair roads, and more than 100 bridges will need to be replaced.
Currently, 2,050 Department of Transportation (DOT) employees are on the ground, working to jumpstart recovery efforts.
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During a tour of Lake Lure, the Mayor informed Governor Cooper that FEMA has yet to arrive.
While the community is not in need of food or water, the lake has become a dumping ground for debris carried into the river during the storm.
Mayor Pritchett emphasized the need for long-term assistance from FEMA, which Governor Cooper assured is on its way.
For nearly two weeks, residents of Lake Lure have been without water and have limited cell service, urgently needing aid.
"We need a lot of things but these are the major things," Mayor Pritchett said.
Pritchett as she showed Governor Cooper the extent of the town’s damage. The storm has lowered lake levels, exposing the destruction left behind.
"[It's] tough to see the beach this way," Cooper said.
Pritchett agreed, but said she remains hopeful.
"It is. It absolutely is. But we’ll get it back to where it needs to be at," Pritchett responded.
Even before Helene, the town faced challenges with aging infrastructure.
The century-old wastewater treatment, sewer, and water pipes couldn’t withstand the storm’s impact.
Restoring this critical infrastructure is essential for the town, a popular tourist destination, to recover.
Governor Cooper explained that various funding streams would be used to address both immediate needs and longer-term rebuilding efforts. Temporary solutions are being implemented, including makeshift water systems and restoring temporary access routes.
"DOT is working hard to rebuild roads and bridges, while ensuring basic necessities can reach people," he said.
When asked how he plans to keep his promises with only a few months left in office, Cooper responded, “I have nearly three months remaining, and we’re laying the groundwork to ensure the funding streams are open, so this process can begin.”
Despite progress, there’s no clear timeline for when many areas will fully recover, and it’s likely that some solutions will come after Cooper’s term ends.
When asked about restoring water in Western North Carolina, Cooper acknowledged, "It’s going to vary by community, but it will still take some time."
With Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, WRAL News asked FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about its potential impact on their presence in North Carolina.
She assured me that it would not affect the 3,400 personnel currently on the ground. In fact, more help may arrive in the coming weeks.