MEDIA ADVISORY
HURRICANE HELENE IMPACT ON WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, ONGOING RECOVERY, TIMELINE AND COSTS EXAMINED IN NEW REPORT
Local speakers join national research group for virtual news conference to release report examining ongoing rebuilding of North Carolina’s roads, bridges and rail following Hurricane Helene.
WHEN:
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Virtual news conference – Click Here for Zoom Web Conference
Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13052241968,,86407432301#,,,,*061109#
Or Telephone: +1 301 715 8592
Report available on TRIP website at 10:00 a.m. ET
WHAT:
Following widespread destruction in Western North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) embarked on its largest reconstruction program as it works to restore vital transportation assets.
A new report that examines the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina (WNC), NCDOT’s initial response, the status of the recovery of the region’s transportation system, the cost of needed repairs, and the plan and timeline to fully restore WNC’s network of roads, bridges and rail will be released at a virtual news conference on Thursday. The report, entitled “WNC Strong: Rebuilding Western North Carolina’s Transportation System Following Catastrophic Damage from Hurricane Helene,” was prepared by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit based in Washington, DC.
Local speakers will join TRIP at a virtual news conference on Thursday to highlight the report’s findings. Following comments from the speakers below, a spokesperson from NCDOT will be available to answer questions on the status of projects to address transportation damage from Hurricane Helene.
WHO:
Kit Cramer, President and CEO, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jake Cashion, Vice President of Government Affairs, NC Chamber
Rocky Moretti, Director of Policy & Research, TRIP
CONTACT:
Rocky Moretti – TRIP | 202.262.0714 (cell)
Carolyn Bonifas Kelly – TRIP | 703.801.9212 (cell)