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Governor Josh Stein announced recently nine small business recovery projects in western North Carolina, including Chimney Rock Village, have been awarded grants from the North Carolina Department of Commerce's new Hurricane Helene recovery program to help local governments rebuild damaged infrastructure. A total of $7.3 million will support projects in the City of Morganton, the towns of Gamewell and Clyde, and in Chimney Rock Village.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially in western North Carolina, and this first round of infrastructure grants marks another important milestone on the road to recovery," said Governor Stein. "I thank the legislature for funding these infrastructure investments."
First announced by Governor Stein in late April, the $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program from the Commerce Department's Rural Economic Development Division offers local governments a vital resource for small business recovery in their areas. Awards to a local government can fund individual project grants up to $1 million to rebuild the public infrastructure that small businesses in their communities rely on to operate and thrive. Projects can include the rebuilding of water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, and other utility lines, and can include sidewalk and curb infrastructure and other repairs to remove barriers and restore or increase access to impacted small businesses.
The program utilizes state funds appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are still being accepted.
"I'm grateful the North Carolina General Assembly quickly provided funds for this vital new infrastructure recovery program earlier in the year," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "Commerce will continue to work on all fronts, from small business recovery to the rebuilding of damaged homes, as we revitalize the western part of our state."
Awards from the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ) for this first round of projects include:
• City of Morganton - $1 million to support the rehabilitation of an 800-foot section of the River Village Boardwalk
• Town of Gamewell - $87,187 to support the replacement of a failing sewer pump generator
• Town of Clyde - $737,477 to support the repair and enhancement of sidewalk and curb infrastructure within its downtown business district
• Chimney Rock Village - $5.5 million to support six separate projects;
Chimney Rock Village - $1 million to support the East Gateway Streetscape North project. This transformative initiative will remove hazardous and damaged infrastructure and replace it with ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities, enhanced streetscape features, and improved stormwater drainage systems. These improvements will enhance public safety, strengthen storm resilience, and restore essential pedestrian access to Chimney Rock's downtown business district, while supporting local businesses in their continued recovery and long-term vitality.
Chimney Rock Village - $1 million to support the East Main Street Streetscape Retaining Wall project. This investment will protect vital public assets and reinforce the physical foundation of Chimney Rock's commercial district. By addressing urgent recovery needs and advancing long-term resilience, the project will directly support small businesses along Main Street. Enhancing public access, safety, and the overall visitor experience is expected to boost foot traffic, stabilize business operations, and drive sustainable economic growth in the Village.
Chimney Rock Village - $1 million grant to support the East Gateway Streetscape South project. The project will involve the demolition and removal of approximately 800 linear feet of damaged infrastructure, followed by the replacement of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and parking areas with modern, ADA-compliant features. By restoring safe and reliable access to local shops and services, the project will directly support small businesses in their efforts to reopen and thrive. These improvements are expected to enhance public safety, increase foot traffic, and encourage long-term economic recovery and resilience throughout the downtown area.
Chimney Rock Village - $1 million to support the Village Plaza Repair project. This project will remove hazardous and deteriorating infrastructure and replace it with enhanced public space features, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. An upgraded stormwater management system will also be installed to improve resilience against future weather events and prevent repeated damage. This revitalization support small businesses by reestablishing a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for residents and visitors.
Chimney Rock Village - $1 million to support the West Gateway Streetscape North Project. This initiative will invest in essential infrastructure recovery and pedestrian accessibility following Hurricane Helene. The streetscape will be fully ADA-compliant, promoting walkability and increase pedestrian compacity and safety. New sidewalks will include curb ramps and clearly marked accessible routes.
Chimney Rock Village - $500,000 to support the Village Core Streetscape project. The work will involve the installation and repair of approximately 400 linear feet of ADA- compliant sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and a modernized stormwater management system designed to withstand future storms and reduce vulnerability to repeated damage. While this is a new project, it builds on the vision and momentum established through earlier investments--including Phase One, completed in 2021, and Phase Two, launched in 2024 with ARC funding--both of which aimed to enhance commercial and public spaces before Hurricane Helene. Restoring the Village Core is essential not only to repair storm- related damage but to fulfill the community's long-term plan for a safe downtown.
