Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced over $32 million for disaster relief and public works projects across the state.
Following the EDA’s announcement, Senator Budd said:
“The EDA’s recent announcement of more than $32 million in federal investments for disaster recovery and public works projects across North Carolina is a major step toward rebuilding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene and creating new opportunities for North Carolina workers.
“Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, communities like Hendersonville and Forest City are still working to rebuild critical infrastructure. More than $20 million in federal funding to restore Hendersonville’s water treatment facility will return the plant to full operational capacity, protecting public health and ensuring residents have access to safe, reliable water. And nearly $8 million to build a new electric substation in Forest City will strengthen power reliability and give the community greater resilience against future disasters.
“When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina nearly two years ago, communities like Hendersonville and Forest City were strapped with multi-million-dollar disaster relief projects to rebuild. By investing over $20 million in federal funding to repair Hendersonville’s water treatment facility, the public health of the city’s residents will be prioritized once again to prevent the spread of disease by restoring the plant to full operational capacity. Additionally, nearly $8 million in federal dollars to build a new electric substation in Forest City will significantly improve local power reliability and help the region better withstand future disasters.
“The EDA’s public works investments in Cumberland and Jackson Counties will also undoubtedly drive economic growth while creating more jobs for hardworking North Carolinians and their families. I’m grateful to the Trump administration for delivering the federal resources needed to complete these four critical projects, rebuild communities across our state, and put North Carolina on a stronger path for the future.”
BACKGROUND
FY25 DISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL
Hendersonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
The EDA announced it would invest $20,092,800 to expand the wastewater treatment plant in the City of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Upon the project’s completion, the EDA anticipates adding nearly 200 jobs, retaining well over 500 jobs, and leveraging close to $75 million in private investment.
Forest City Electric Substation
The EDA announced it would invest $7,798,480 to support the construction of a new electric substation in the Town of Forest City, North Carolina, to address economic distress caused by Hurricane Helene. Upon the project’s completion, the EDA anticipates adding nearly 30 new jobs and generating over $9 million in private investment.
PUBLIC WORKS
Scaling a Workforce Training Center in Rural North Carolina
The EDA announced it would invest $2,593,557 to support the renovation of the former Southwestern Community College library to create the new home of the Workforce Continuing Education/Small Business Center in Sylva, North Carolina. Upon completion, the project is expected to double employment opportunities, increasing available career positions to over 100.
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
The EDA announced it would invest $1,519,753 to support the construction of critical water infrastructure to serve the 401 North Industrial Site in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and meet the requirements of manufacturing facilities. Upon completion, the project is expected to create 300 new jobs and leverage $867 million in private investment.
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