Chimney Rock State Park reopens 9 months after devastating storm Helene
Share this @internewscast.com

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. () — After being closed for nine months due to the destructive storm Helene, Chimney Rock State Park reopened its doors to the public on Friday.

The iconic rock formation, which closely resembles a chimney, is once again welcoming tourists. Last September, the Village of Chimney Rock, situated at the base of this landmark, was nearly obliterated.

With the construction of a new bridge, the park is now reconnected to the town, allowing for easier access. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, North Carolina governor Josh Stein, expressed optimism, referring to the park’s reopening as a ‘ray of hope.’ To much applause, he declared, “I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Chimney Rock State Park is back open.”

Stein also signed a new bill of Helene relief worth $575 million that extends the state emergency to October 1. The measure sets aside $75 million to repair private roads and bridges and allocates additional money for wildfire mitigation, landslide prevention, dam repairs and aid to schools and local government.

Governor Stein said, “[Chimney Rock] is an incredible asset of the peoples. This rock represents a great deal to the people of western North Carolina and the fact that the people can come back to their rock is great and meaningful. But it serves more than just a symbol, it is an economic engine for this entire area.”

Typically 400,000 people visit Chimney Rock State Park annually.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Ongoing Efforts to Find Flood Victims and Solutions in Central Texas

() The search for victims continues in central Texas as residents work…

Is Orlando Planning to Build an Underground Transit System? Here’s the Latest Information

ORLANDO, Fla. – Speculation is swirling about a new “Loop” coming to…

Bristol Set to Welcome the $10 Million ‘Catie’s Playground’ Project

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – Knoxville’s Legacy Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has…

Schumer Urges RFK Jr. to Announce Measles Crisis

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) called on Health and Human Services…

UNESCO Recognizes Cambodian Khmer Rouge Sites as Heritage Landmarks

PHNOM PENH – UNESCO has added three sites to its World Heritage…

Transfer Pitcher Thrilled to Join Illinois Team from Georgia Tech

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Ryan Johnson is getting ready to move away…

The State Department is letting go of more than 1,300 staff as part of a strategy from the Trump administration.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) The U.S. State Department is firing more than…

Speaker Johnson Indicates Openness to Russia Sanctions Bill

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday left the door open to holding…

Storm Team 3: Scorching Temperatures and Weekend Storms Ahead

In Savannah, Georgia, Friday brought about scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Some…

Savannah Unveils Hostess City Food and Wine Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest Savannah, a…

Dan Bongino Criticizes DOJ’s Management of Epstein Documents

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is at the center of internal fighting…

T-Mobile Halts DEI Initiatives Amid FCC Deal Approval Process

() T-Mobile will eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs as it…