“Financial resources tend to become entangled in a web of spending when disaster strikes, which is why our office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “By keeping lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public informed on hurricane relief spending, we can continue to improve how North Carolina responds to natural disasters.” 

The Nature Center is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums – the gold standard for animal care and welfare.  

A significant share of the more than 822,000 acres of damaged timber left behind after Hurricane Helene belongs to private landowners, the majority stakeholder of forest resources in this state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While we know TLRP funding will not make these landowners financially whole, we are hopeful it will help with recovery from what was an unprecedented storm.”

The program follows national CERT standards while incorporating Asheville-specific needs and hazards, including flooding, severe weather, wildfire, and community support operations.