RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced $5 million in new infrastructure grants aimed at helping small businesses and communities in western North Carolina continue recovering from Hurricane Helene.

The fourth round of funding through the state’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program will support projects in Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Clay and Swain counties. The grants are awarded to local governments for infrastructure projects intended to improve access to and operations for small businesses.

West Jefferson will receive $233,191 to rehabilitate infrastructure serving its downtown commercial area. Elk Park in Avery County will receive $100,000 to replace a failing culvert on Main Street.

Buncombe County will receive $786,291 for sidewalk improvements in Beacon Village. Three separate $1 million grants were awarded to Hayesville in Clay County for retaining wall, sidewalk and storm-water projects. Bryson City will receive $965,968 to restore its public water system south of the Tuckasegee River.

The Governor’s Office says the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program has awarded more than $36 million to 51 projects since 2025. Projects have included downtown streetscape repairs, water and sewer work, storm-water improvements and utility relocation.

State officials say more than $105 million in grants and loans have also been awarded to nearly 3,000 western North Carolina small businesses since Hurricane Helene, helping retain nearly 15,000 jobs.

Stein announced the latest funding Thursday in Lansing. He is also continuing to call on Congress for an additional $10 billion in federal funding for western North Carolina recovery.