CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (WLOS) -- Former North Carolina Governor and now Senate candidate Roy Cooper got an up-close look at the Helene recovery of one of the hardest-hit towns in Western North Carolina on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Cooper toured part of Chimney Rock as the one-year milestone is now just over a month away. He was joined by the town's mayor and members of the media as he examined the restoration progress of some of the area's local and historic businesses.

"It's a wonderful place. Congratulations on opening back up," Cooper said to some of those working on a rebuilt shop in the area, now nearly complete.

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The former governor also had a chance to thank some of the volunteers and business owners working to get everything back up and running. But he said despite all the progress being made, the federal government and FEMA need to increase support, especially when it comes to infrastructure like water systems, bridges, and roads.

After the tour, News 13 asked the Senate candidate how he would help speed that progress up.

"If you do win this seat, what concrete plans do you have when it comes to Western North Carolina and the continued progress that needs to be made?" asked News13's Marc Liverman.

"So, the needs are documented," Cooper responded. "We know where the needs are. This was a $60 billion storm. The federal government needs to step up in a significant way."

We also asked Cooper how he would step up for the Western part of the state.

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"Any specific concrete plans that you have in place if you should win this seat?" Liverman asked.

"Here's one," Cooper responded, "Business recovery grants. Small business owners could use significant help. They are the backbone of our economy and they've gotten very little help outside of loans. If we really want Western North Carolina to come back, we need to make some real investments there."

Cooper previously toured the area last October, just a few weeks after Helene hit.