The City of Gastonia announced that it has been awarded two grants totaling $2,177,532.73 through the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, administered by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM).
Gastonia’s Awarded Projects
- Highland Branch Greenway Repair and Erosion Control — $241,948.03
- Linwood Springs Park Streambank and Pond Restoration — $1,935,584.70
“Hurricane Helene caused significant erosion and damage to these sites,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tripp White. “With this funding, we can stabilize streambanks, repair trails and ponds, and protect the natural features that improve the quality of life for our residents and community.”
The grants are part of a state-funded initiative created by the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025, specifically designed to assist local governments and federally recognized tribes in western North Carolina with capital improvements that FEMA does not cover. The funds can be used for capital projects to repair, renovate, or replace infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene.
“The City is focused on making smart, long-term investments in public infrastructure, and these grants allow us to address storm damage in a way that improves durability and resilience while preserving valued community spaces,” said Assistant City Manager Brian Potocki.
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.