During the Oct. 15 Moore County Board of Commissioners meeting, Chair Nick Picerno proposed that the N.C. Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) initiate an adopt-a-county program where counties east of 1-77 adopt counties west of I-77 to support them in their recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
The county sent a letter to Kevin Leonard, executive director of NCACC.
“The Moore County Commissioners, like so many others, have been deeply troubled by the unprecedented and devasting impacts of Tropical Storm Helene on our Western North Carolina Counties, and we are eager to do what we can to assist them in recovery,” reads the letter, in part. “We are thankful for the many resources that have already been distributed and our hearts are warmed by the generosity and compassion of our North Carolina citizenry.
“To supplement the aid that has been offered, the Moore County Board of Commissioners proposes the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners consider implementation of an “Adopt-a-County” program whereby counties east of I-77 “adopt” counties west of I-77 and support their respective adopted counties through the very long recovery and rebuilding process. Supportive services could include technical assistance by employees to their affected Western North Carolina counterparts, deployment of resources, and collaboration on solutions for recovery, among many other opportunities to lend help.”
During the Nov. 6 commissioners meeting, Picerno expressed uncertainty about the progress of the NCACC but stated, “We could just lead in this one.” The commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to offer support and services for recovery from Hurricane Helene in Transylvania County.
Hurricane Helene ripped through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27. Transylvania County was classified under the highest threat level under the National Weather Services for flooding, high winds, landslides, and debris flows. The clean-up and recovery process is expected to continue for several months or even years.
Picerno said an email regarding the resolution was sent to officials in Transylvania County, and their response was “very heartfelt.”
