FLETCHER, N.C. (828news NOW) — More than 500 people gathered Wednesday at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher for an event honoring elected officials, public employees and community partners who have helped lead Western North Carolina’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.

Gov. Josh Stein joined local leaders at the Land of Sky Regional Council event, where speakers praised the progress made since the storm devastated the region nearly a year ago.

Maureen Copelof, Brevard mayor and chair of the council’s executive committee, introduced the governor, saying he has been “front and center” in the recovery effort.

“When we said we needed help now, not two years from now, for both our local businesses and our families, Josh listened and acted,” Copelof said. “The governor’s office may be located in Raleigh, but we know Josh Stein’s heart is out here in Western North Carolina.”

In his remarks, Stein recalled the destruction left behind when the storm struck 11 months ago, flooding communities, destroying homes and livelihoods, and claiming lives.

“A month from now, we will mark the milestone of one year since Hurricane Helene hit,” Stein said. “What you have done is so impressive, so inspiring. Just as you have had each other’s backs, Raleigh must have your back, too.”

Stein highlighted state and local efforts to rebuild, including more than $1 billion in hurricane relief bills, $55 million in grants for small businesses, 45,000 scholarships for students and debris removal totaling more than 14 million cubic yards. He also pointed to investments in resilient infrastructure, expanded tourism campaigns and programs to support downtown revitalization.

The governor urged continued action at the state and federal levels, citing his $19 billion federal aid request that remains pending in Congress. FEMA has so far awarded $80 million in reimbursements, Stein said, but more than $100 million in state and local claims are still awaiting approval.

“We still need to provide more affordable housing, more support for small businesses and greater investment in resiliency,” Stein said. “Yes, we still have far to go, but we have made real progress — progress that was difficult to imagine when the storm hit.”

Stein closed by pledging to remain engaged in the recovery: “I thank you, I salute you and I commit to you that I will stand by you until we are done.”