From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Western North Carolina’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene will take at least 25 years due to massive infrastructure and housing needs, according to Robert Hosford, the rural development director of state operations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“This is a 25-year recovery on the short end,” he said, referring to WNC’s housing and water infrastructure rebuilding efforts after Helene ravaged the area on Sept. 27, 2024.

Hosford shared this timeline during a virtual meeting on Aug. 21 of the governor’s WNCl long-term recovery group.

Nearly two years after the storm, the region still faces major hurdles, he said.

Following is his update on the status of WNC housing and construction:

• The USDA has built 40 new homes for $11 million.

• Another 107 homes worth $35 million are under construction.

• Housing needs across the region still exceed available financial aid.

Following is Hosford’s update on the region’s status on water and infrastructure:

• The agency committed $111 million to local water and environmental projects.

• Another $120 million in water projects is currently in development.

• Officials requested an extra $218 million to fix damaged water systems.

Regarding workforce support, he said the USDA is actively adding an engineer to the mountains to support work projected to span decades. 

He noted that the USDA also is partnering with regional councils of government to deliver programs while rebuilding their local workforce, following a 2025 federal voluntary separation initiative.

 Hosford said the following are upcoming deadlines:

• Aug. 31 marked the final day for survivors to enroll in full disaster case management.

• Case management work will continue into January 2027 for people already enrolled.

Hosford most recently served as USDA rural development state director for North Carolina, a position he also held during President Donald J. Trump’s first term. 

He previously served as chief of staff for the USDA Farm Service Agency from 2003 through 2009 and worked for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Hosford earned a B.S. from Mississippi State University in 1996.