In a guest opinion published by the Asheville Citizen Times, Lynne Russo writes about what she has heard firsthand from residents in Bat Cave, Gerton and communities across the Hickory Nut Gorge. Families are still dealing with destroyed bridges and driveways, inaccessible homes, difficult school transportation and the lasting effects of damaged infrastructure.
The piece argues that while important recovery work has been done, federal funding has fallen far short of the need, leaving state and local communities without the resources required to fully rebuild.
Russo calls for continued pressure on Washington to deliver the recovery funding Western North Carolina was promised, along with stronger coordination among federal, state and local leaders so residents can more easily understand what assistance is available and how recovery dollars are being used.
For Russo, Helene recovery is not yesterday’s issue. It remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Western North Carolina.
Read the original Citizen Times guest opinion: “Two years after Helene, federal recovery funds fall far short.”