ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) – Western North Carolina is open for business.

That’s the message from those communities, lawmakers, and Governor Josh Stein as that side of the state continues to recover almost one year after Hurricane Helene.

“Even with this work ahead of us, today, almost one year later, Asheville is open for business,” Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

The region continues to rebuild nearly one year after the storm caused approximately $60 billion in damage, wiping out homes and destroying businesses.

“Many of our businesses, especially those near the French Broad Rivers and the Swannanoa Rivers, were significantly damaged or destroyed, and they’re still working to reopen," Manheimer said. "Some have managed to reopen, some still have not."

On Monday, Governor Stein as

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