U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has launched his 100 County Tour with a series of visits across Western North Carolina. These stops, part of his efforts to assess and support recovery from Hurricane Helene, took him to Ashe, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Rutherford, and Polk counties.
Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in September, affecting homes, schools, businesses, and infrastructure. Senator Budd has emphasized his ongoing commitment to aiding the area’s recovery efforts. “It has been a long six months since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina,” said Budd. “I had to start out West” were his words as he penned his starting point for this third tour.
Budd has visited these communities repeatedly since the hurricane, acknowledging the resilience members have shown. “I was deeply moved by the resilience and determination I witnessed from the victims of Helene,” he said. “I am fully committed to doing everything in my power in the U.S. Senate to secure the resources and relief these communities desperately need,” Budd further stated.
The tour began in Ashe County with Lansing’s Mayor Mack Powers, assessing hurricane damage. In Watauga County, he inspected Valle Crucis Elementary School and Valle Crucis United Methodist Church, both heavily impacted by flooding.
A visit to Avery County involved discussions with officials at the county’s debris site. In Mitchell County, Budd engaged with the Deyton School and received insight from the Baptists On Mission regarding home reconstruction efforts.
In Yancey County, Budd met with the West Yancey Volunteer Fire Department and supported Operation Helo, a volunteer group assisting storm victims. He also interacted with locals navigating FEMA’s approval procedures.
A Madison County stop involved discussions with the Rebuild Hot Springs Area leadership concerning downtown and neighborhood restoration. Meanwhile, in Buncombe County, Budd spoke with Excel College members involved in a homebuilding initiative.
Henderson County’s tour highlight was first responders’ recognition at Gerton Volunteer Fire Department. He also took stock of damage at local infrastructure including Bat Cave and Slick Rock roads.
In Rutherford County, Budd met Lake Lure and Chimney Rock officials to talk on rebuilding and debris removal, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Finally, Polk County provided an opportunity to converse with vendors and small business owners relocated post-storm. They have been operating through the “WNC Main Street” initiative based at the Tryon Equestrian Center, seeking to draw tourism-based economic support.
Follow Senator Budd on Flickr to see photos from the tour.
