CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, Hendersonville says it's ready to welcome back tourists.
“Hendersonville is pleased to welcome back visitors,” Mayor Barbara Volk said. “Although we regret some of our businesses are still recovering from Helene’s impacts, the majority of shops, restaurants, and attractions are fully open and ready to offer their usual warmth and hospitality. Fall is usually a busy time here and we know how much visitors contribute to our local economy.”
It couldn't come at a better time, either, as fall color is beginning to reach high or peak levels in the North Carolina mountains. Meteorologists expect the peak color to last through the first full week of November in the mountains, where the local economy relies on fall tourism to keep businesses afloat throughout the year.
Hendersonville welcoming tourists comes as several tourist destinations in the mountains are welcoming guests, including Grandfather Mountain. A stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway officially reopened this week as well, allowing visitors to see the fall color safely.
Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday that Helene was the costliest disaster in North Carolina history, saying the storm caused an estimated $53 billion in damage. Cooper is asking state lawmakers for $3.9 billion in funding for recovery, saying the money would be a "vital down payment" on the future of western North Carolina.
"One thing is for certain. No matter how is football the bill, but especially if it's taxpayers, we need to ensure that homes, businesses and water systems are rebuilt stronger to withstand future storms," Cooper said. "We've been building back stronger in eastern North Carolina from Matthew and Florence. It has been more expensive, but it works."
Lawmakers quickly approved $273 million in emergency funding, but more money is needed to get water systems back online and other critical infrastructure in good shape. Hundreds of roads have reopened and Cooper announced that the non-essential travel ban was lifted in the western part of the state. However, officials urge anyone driving to be aware that they may encounter closed roads or bridges due to Helene. Cooper and federal officials have said it will take billions of dollars to repair all of the damaged roads, including Interstate 40, which collapsed into the Pigeon River near the Tennessee border.
About 1,500 Army soldiers from Fort Liberty and over 400 Army Corps of Engineers have been on the ground since the storm hit. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stressed the federal mission is "not ending," saying FEMA and National Guard personnel will remain in North Carolina.