South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced today that Graham County will receive $20 million for the construction of Corridor K. The award, which Edwards had repeatedly advocated for, was granted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) through the U.S. DOT Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program.

Edwards has supported multiple applications for funding for Corridor K and organized meetings with U.S. DOT to emphasize the project's importance in North Carolina's 11th district. In addition to submitting a letter of support for this grant, Edwards introduced bills aimed at addressing funding obstacles for Corridor K and removing federal red tape that hinders development along the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS). These legislative efforts seek to promote growth and economic development in the Appalachian region by connecting it to the greater interstate system.

Edwards stated, "The $20 million funding for Graham County’s construction of Corridor K is great news for WNC. The Appalachian Mountains make up the vast majority of our beautiful district, and I’m grateful that the U.S. DOT agreed with me about the merit in funding to build this highway and give the region the necessary resources to boost economic development in an underserved area of the district."