EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi Visits North Carolina, Joins Water Utility Leaders to Discuss Continued Recovery Efforts from Hurricane Helene
WASHINGTON — On Friday, September 25, 2026, nearly two years following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi visited Western North Carolina to discuss the Trump EPA’s ongoing assistance for the communities impacted by the hurricane’s damage.
“It was very important for me to get out of DC and speak directly with the Western North Carolina residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and hear how the Trump EPA can continue supporting them in their recovery,” said EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi. “I saw first-hand the devastating effects that this storm has had on homes and businesses, and I learned how local water utility experts showed tremendous resilience in their efforts to provide clean and safe drinking water to their communities. The Trump Administration will continue partnering with State and local leaders to deliver financial and technical assistance to ensure these communities continue their comeback.”
Deputy Administrator Fotouhi began the day in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he participated in a roundtable with local water utility leaders to highlight EPA’s role in helping Western North Carolina restore and strengthen critical water infrastructure following Hurricane Helene. This includes the $706 million allocated to the state for Helene-related drinking water, wastewater and septic projects, with a focus on reducing the vulnerability of water systems to future storms. Deputy Administrator Fotouhi also highlighted EPA’s technical assistance through the Strengthening Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow (SWIFT) initiative, including efforts to help utilities assess risks, identify vulnerable infrastructure and develop practical strategies to improve resilience. After the roundtable, he held a media availability alongside EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber.
Next, Deputy Administrator Fotouhi participated in a tour of Hickory Nut Gorge. The tour included stops at Chimney Rock Village Fire Department and Lake Lure, where he witnessed Hurricane Helene’s severe impact on infrastructure, homes, and businesses in the area and spoke with local leaders, including the mayor of Lake Lure and town administrator of Chimney Rock Village, about their progress made to date and how the Trump EPA can continue providing assistance.
The final stop on the Deputy Administrator’s tour took him to Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department, where he spoke with the Fire Chief and the Henderson County Administrator. The tour provided Deputy Administrator Fotouhi with a firsthand look at the Rocky Broad River corridor, areas of significant flood and debris impacts, and damaged roads and infrastructure. The Western North Carolina communities and businesses remain as resilient as ever in their recovery efforts, and the Trump EPA is continuing to partner with the state to deliver financial and technical assistance and ensure this community continues its comeback.