CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. () — Chimney Rock State Park reopened Friday nine months to the day after the deadly storm Helene devastated western North Carolina.

The historic and unique rock that resembles a chimney is once again welcoming visitors. The Village of Chimney Rock located below that landmark all but washed away last September.

Now a new bridge connects the park again to the town for access. North Carolina governor Josh Stein, on site for the ribbon cutting, called it a ‘ray of hope.’ Amid much applause, he said, “I am absolutely thrilled to declare that Chimney Rock State Park is reopened.”

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.