Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 26
North Carolina Leaves Hundreds Stranded 2 Years After Helene Despite $175 Million Bridge Program
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 26

North Carolina Leaves Hundreds Stranded 2 Years After Helene Despite $175 Million Bridge Program

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 26

Summary

  • Hundreds of western North Carolina households still lack private bridges two years after Hurricane Helene, leaving some homes effectively unreachable in emergencies.
  • A state recovery program with $175 million to rebuild private bridges and roads had completed only 44 bridges by Sept. 15, according to a document obtained by The New York Times.
  • Residents say bureaucratic delays have stalled repairs for months in a mountain region where homes often depend on private crossings over creeks and rivers.
  • At the Bakers' home in Burnsville, medics responding to 76-year-old Ted Baker had to edge across a steel beam after Helene washed away the family's only bridge.

Sources

Left100%
The New York Times2h ago
North Carolina Households Stranded by Unrepaired Bridges Two Years Post-Hurricane Helene

Insights

With billions spent on recovery, why are nonprofits rebuilding private bridges faster than a heavily funded state program two years after Helene?
If emergency crews cannot reach stranded families, should flood-prone mountain properties be bought out instead of waiting years for complex repairs?

Sources

1 total
Left100%
The New York Times2h ago
North Carolina Households Stranded by Unrepaired Bridges Two Years Post-Hurricane Helene