RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has awarded $13.8 million in grants to 19 small business recovery projects in the western part of the state, Gov. Josh Stein announced Wednesday.

The funding comes through the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, marking the second round of awards from the state's Hurricane Helene recovery initiative.

"This new round of local government recovery grants is a much-needed shot in the arm to the main streets that businesses depend on," Stein said.

The 19 funded projects include 16 standard recovery projects totaling $11.26 million and three emergency infrastructure projects totaling $2.55 million. Emergency awards were made earlier this fall to address critical needs in Bryson City on Sept. 16 and Maggie Valley o

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