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Visit to hurricane-damaged counties kicks off Budd's 100-county tour

Bat Cave Fire Chief Steve Freeman talks to U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (left) as Henderson County Manager John Mitchell looks on.

By Bill Moss, Published: March 25, 2025

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd kicked off his third 100-county tour last week with visits to 10 counties in Western North Carolina, including  Henderson County.

In the hard-hit Hickory Nut Gorge, Budd recognized efforts of first responders who deployed to Gerton Volunteer Fire Department to support recovery operations following Helene. Alongside local officials, Senator Budd also surveyed the damage at the community’s Post Office and the road repairs between Bat Cave and Slick Rock along the Rocky Broad River.

He also visited Ashe, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, Buncombe, Rutherford and Polk counties.
“It has been a long six months since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, leaving a trail of devastation—leveling homes, flooding schools, destroying businesses, and crippling critical infrastructure," he said. "As I began planning my third 100-county tour, I knew there was no question: I had to start out West.

“Since the storm struck last September, I’ve returned to these communities time and time again to survey the damage and offer support to local officials in their recovery efforts. During my most recent visit to the region, I was deeply moved by the resilience and determination I witnessed from the victims of Helene. In the face of unimaginable hardship, families, small business owners, local officials, law enforcement, and neighbors are going out of their way to lift one another up and reach out a helping hand."