OLD FORT, N.C. (WSPA) — The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) visited Western North Carolina to announce they would be giving $1.4 billion to the state and $225 million to the City of Asheville.

“We want these funds here as quickly as possible, so we can invest in the people of North Carolina,” said the Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein.

He said these dollars are flexible, meaning they will go towards immediate needs a temperatures plummet but also towards long-term goals that will rebuild a stronger, better prepared North Carolina.

Adrianne Todman, the Deputy Secretary of HUD said, “Now that we have these funds, I turn to these leaders here and say ‘now we’ve got to hit the ground running.’ We have an obligation to ensure this money is working for the people of North Carolina.” 

Time is crucial, especially with the chance of snow later this week. Stein said there are still more than 12,000 people displaced by the storm.

Multiple officials, including Mayor of Asheville Esther Manheimer, said this is the fastest response they have seen from the federal government.

“All the times we stood in the wreckage in the dark, and it’s hard to believe it only happened a few months ago, and that we’re here today talking about this kind of funding to help us rebuild,” said Manheimer.

Stein said there is not a plan in place currently detailing how the money will be allocated.

However, he did say it will be used to rebuild essential community buildings, enhance infrastructure and help residents get back on their feet.

He said funding should be here in 2025.