This federal hold remained in place through the federal government shutdown in late 2025, which prevented the necessary system access for state officials to process the awards. The federal government finally "released the keys" and lifted the hold on December 23, 2025, allowing the NCDOC to finalize the following awards and specific project plans for Western North Carolina (WNC):
WNC Award Recipients & County Plans
Avery County: $5,000,000
The Plan: As the recipient of the state’s largest award, Avery County will focus on the total replacement of homes destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Funds are also earmarked for safe demolition and the restoration of public facilities and neighborhood-level infrastructure in clusters that primarily serve low-to-moderate-income residents.
Jackson County: $2,530,647
The Plan: The county’s strategy is designed to stabilize neighborhoods through owner-occupied housing rehabilitation (addressing critical repairs not covered by insurance or FEMA) and the installation of permanent neighborhood infrastructure. A primary focus will be on residential drainage and culvert systems in the Sylva and Dillsboro areas.
Town of Wilkesboro (Wilkes County): $1,500,000
The Plan: The town will focus on concentrated housing rehabilitation in residential pockets hit hardest by flooding. Plans also include restoring community connectivity by repairing sidewalks and access points that link low-income housing clusters to essential town services.
Town of Taylorsville (Alexander County): $950,000
The Plan: The focus is on vital neighborhood infrastructure, specifically repairing and reinforcing damaged water and sewer lines serving residential blocks. Additionally, funds will assist residents with the repair of storm-damaged septic systems, a major public health priority for the area.
Program Oversight & Next Steps
Administration: These funds are managed by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division.
National Objective: Per the federal contract, 70% of all funds must benefit low-to-moderate-income households to ensure the aid reaches those with the greatest need.
Timeline for Residents: Now that the NCDOC has officially released the money, these four local governments can begin the formal bidding process for contractors. Residents should look for local application portals to open in the coming weeks.
WNCTimes