Leland project included in $40 million disaster relief and mitigation funding

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A project in Leland is among those receiving funding as part of a $40 million disaster relief and mitigation package announced Friday by Gov. Josh Stein.

The overall package includes more than $24 million in mitigation grants from the state’s Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund and $16 million for volunteer organizations helping rebuild homes after disasters.

Among the projects funded is $400,000 for the Town of Leland to improve a culvert along Low Country Boulevard, part of an effort to strengthen infrastructure and reduce flood risk.

The funding was announced during the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery meeting in Marion and is aimed at helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene while preparing for future storms.

“Western North Carolina is coming back strong from Hurricane Helene, and we have learned that it will take all levels of government working alongside our private and nonprofit partners to both recover and prepare for the next natural disaster,” Stein said in a statement. “These grants will help support long-term recovery efforts and help communities withstand future storms.”

The mitigation grants will support projects across the state including flood prevention efforts, transportation infrastructure improvements, water and wastewater upgrades, dam restoration, flood monitoring systems and emergency communications improvements.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the projects reflect a statewide effort to reduce the impact of future disasters.

“These projects once again showcase the whole-of-community effort that is underway to assist communities with mitigating risk and impacts from future events and in rebuilding stronger,” Ray said.

According to state officials, volunteer organizations will use their funding to assist disaster survivors with rebuilding homes and strengthening community resilience.