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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited communities in North Carolina and Tennessee that suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene. During his tour, he emphasized the emotional and physical toll that the storm has taken on residents, many of whom feel overlooked by the federal government as they strive to rebuild their lives after the disaster.
In an exclusive interview with ‘The Faulkner Focus’ from Pigeon River Gorge, Duffy assessed the extensive destruction, which included severe damages to a major segment of Interstate 40 caused by flooding. He shared insights with host Harris Faulkner about the ongoing recovery efforts and the heightened sense of neglect that many local residents feel nearly four months after the hurricane struck.
“When you live in small-town America, like many of the communities here in western North Carolina, they feel forgotten. They feel like the federal government doesn’t care,” Duffy expressed. “Their state governments haven’t cared about them. This administration understands their struggles—they may be from small towns, and they might not be wealthy. But they are Americans who deserve our assistance, and we will ensure they receive it.”
Duffy committed to restoring the devastated stretch of highway, announcing that the project would cost an estimated billion dollars. He underscored the time and resources necessary for a complete restoration process.
“This will become the most expensive emergency relief undertaking the Department of Transportation has executed in its 50-year history,” Duffy said, highlighting the project’s significance and complexity.
He remarked that the current administration is finely tuned to act swiftly. “Donald Trump moves at a pace that far exceeds previous administrations. We have to go fast, go economically, and go safely,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Trump has begun contemplating overhauls to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Trump considers diverting federal relief funds directly to states in response to natural disasters, a move reflecting growing criticism of FEMA regarding its response effectiveness and possible biases.
Last month, he signed an executive order aimed at significantly enhancing FEMA’s operational effectiveness and efficiency following his visits to communities afflicted by Hurricane Helene.
Trump’s order established the FEMA Review Council to include no more than 20 members, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense. This council will evaluate FEMA’s performance and recommend improvements in service delivery.
The necessity for this council arises from concerns reflecting on FEMA’s response to both Hurricane Helene and recent natural disasters, indicating that structural challenges within the agency impede successful recovery efforts.
“Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each year over the past three years, FEMA still leaves vulnerable Americans without prompt access to crucial resources,” the executive order stated.
Duffy emphasized the importance of not only rebuilding major thoroughfares but also addressing smaller infrastructure concerns within local communities. He pointed out the crucial role of connectivity for residents as they work towards restoring their lives.
“While we focus on major arteries, numerous smaller roads and bridges linking mountain communities have also been compromised. Many have suffered significant damage from mudslides and rockslides, which have decimated homes, churches, stores, and coffee shops. We intend to assess how we can assist them in rebuilding these critical infrastructures,” Duffy explained.
Addressing the significance of these infrastructures, Duffy remarked, “People often underestimate this part of our government’s work. A lack of effective infrastructure profoundly impacts lives. If it fails, connectivity fails too.”
The impact of Hurricane Helene was devastating, claiming more than 100 lives in North Carolina alone and affecting tens of thousands of homes. Despite the trauma and losses, impacted residents have expressed a steadfast desire to remain in their communities.
“This is their home and where generations of their families have thrived,” Duffy noted. “They want to remain here. Thus, our work is crucial to help them stay in the places they cherish and rebuild the communities they have treasured for years.”
“Our endeavors will ensure that the dreams of these residents continue to exist,” he concluded, emphasizing the department’s commitment to aiding these communities.
Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
