Vance Announces $858 Million for Helene Recovery in North Carolina

Federal funding for storm-damaged transportation routes in western North Carolina took center stage Monday, October 19, as Vice President JD Vance announced an additional $858 million in disaster assistance during a Republican campaign rally in Hendersonville. The money will support reconstruction of eight major transportation corridors damaged by Hurricane Helene, including Interstate 40 and the Pigeon River Gorge, while the event also promoted Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

According to remarks reported by WLOS and FOX Carolina, Vance said the Department of Transportation would provide the additional funding for rebuilding efforts. He also stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had committed $7.5 billion to Hurricane Helene recovery, underscoring the scale of federal assistance directed toward affected communities.

The rally took place at Hyder Warehouse, where an estimated 200 to 300 people gathered. Republican congressional candidate Jennifer Balkcom and U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley joined Vance to discuss their campaigns and priorities for North Carolina.

Vance urged voters to support both candidates, describing them as representatives who would challenge established political leadership.

"The reason why we're fighting for them is because they are the rare breed that fights for people of North Carolina first and is going to shake up that establishment and fight for you for a change," Vance said.

His remarks also addressed immigration, border security, crime, taxes and employment. He criticized Democrats over high oil prices and argued that employment opportunities should prioritize people who have legal authorization to work in the United States.

"American jobs ought to go to American citizens, not to people who don't have the legal right to be here," Vance said.

Vance also promoted the Trump administration's policies, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, as well as measures intended to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen border security, according to FOX Carolina.

He closed his campaign remarks with a message urging Republican supporters to participate in the upcoming election.

"America belongs to those who love it, not to those who hate it," Vance said.

Whatley, who is seeking North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat, presented his campaign as an effort to support the administration's economic and public safety priorities.

"President Trump and Vice President Vance need an ally who will work to lower costs, create more jobs, protect your families and preserve the American dream," Whatley said.

Whatley also addressed the continuing effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina, pledging to advocate for communities still working to recover from the storm. His remarks emphasized the need for sustained resources and assistance as rebuilding continues.

"The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and our communities are resilient, and I will never stop working for you to make sure that you have the resources and support that you need," Whatley said.

Balkcom, who is running for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, identified agricultural land preservation as a priority for her potential congressional service.

"We also have to protect our farmers. Our farmland is all we have; once it's gone, we are in no way getting it back," Balkcom said.

Vance also described the Republican candidates as "warriors" for the state, according to FOX Carolina. The candidates encouraged attendees to vote in the November 3 election.

The North Carolina appearance is part of a broader Republican effort to mobilize voters ahead of the midterms. Vance is scheduled to appear alongside Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy at a rally at the Sharonville Convention Center in suburban Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 21. According to WCPO and The Cincinnati Enquirer, doors are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m., with the event beginning at 11:30 a.m.