ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Communities across Western North Carolina still dealing with debris left behind by Tropical Storm Helene could soon get additional help through a new $18 million grant program announced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

The department’s Division of Waste Management is now accepting applications for the Debris Recovery & Disposal grant program, which is designed to support cleanup efforts in counties affected by the storm.

Funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the American Relief Act of 2025, the program will provide grants to local governments, councils of government and nonprofit organizations. Up to $5 million of the total funding has been set aside for nonprofit applicants.

State officials said the funding is intended to address debris that remains months after Helene’s impact on the region.

“Hurricane Helene produced mountains of debris that blocked roadways, clogged streams and created long-lasting eyesores,” DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said in a statement. “These grants will help communities clean up debris on public and private land, streambanks, farmland, local parks and other areas.”

Division of Waste Management Director Michael Scott said the grants could also complement other recovery and resiliency projects underway across Western North Carolina.

The grants can be used to collect and dispose of non-hazardous storm debris from public and private properties, clear debris from streambanks, floodplains, farmland and parks, and remove debris that threatens solid waste and recycling infrastructure.

Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, councils of government and nonprofit organizations located in FEMA-designated disaster counties included in Hurricane Helene disaster declaration DR-4827.

Grant awards can be as large as $3 million, with no local match required. Projects may extend for up to three years.

The application period is open now and runs through Sept. 14. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The department noted that funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to Helene debris cleanup, including employee salaries, administrative overhead, utility costs or routine contracted collection services.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss project eligibility with Division of Waste Management staff before submitting proposals.

More information about the program and application requirements is available through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.