Helene Recovery Fund for PARTF

Helene Recovery Fund Grants Support Western North Carolina Parks

More than $4 million has been awarded to support 11 local parks and recreation projects across western North Carolina through the Helene Recovery Fund for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).

Administered by North Carolina State Parks, these grants will help communities restore and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities following Hurricane Helene.

Funding Overview

• Total awarded to local projects: More than $4 million
• Number of projects funded: 11
• Funding source: Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II (SL 2025-26)
• Total Helene Recovery Fund allocation: $12.25 million

The legislation, signed by Josh Stein in June 2025, directed funding to support recovery efforts for parks and recreation areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Of the total allocation:

• 65% was designated for state parks and DuPont State Recreational Forest
• 35% was designated for local governments

Unlike the traditional PARTF grant cycle, local governments were not limited in how much funding they could request. However, all recipients were still required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match.

Awards Granted 

• The City of Asheville in Buncombe County received $345,000 for Azalea Park.
• Ashe County received $300,000 for Family Central Park in Jefferson. 
• Avery County received $987,500 for Hodge Turbyfill Fields in Newland. 
• The Town of Banner Elk in Avery County received $204,201 for Tate-Evans Park. 
• The Town of Beech Mountain in Watauga County received $353,250 for Shane Park. 
• Buncombe County received $284,368 for boat launch replacements on the French Broad River. 
• The Town of Canton in Haywood County received $403,804 for Sorrells Street Park. 
• The City of Hendersonville in Henderson County received $361,762 for Sullivan Park. 
• The Town of Montreat in Buncombe County received $307,274 for Flat Creek. 
• The Town of Seven Devils in Watauga County received $117,716 for repairs on the Otter Falls Trail. 
• Watauga County received $494,000 for Cove Creek Park in Sugar Grove.