CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – In times of flooding and other emergencies, the NCDOT says more help will come from above in the form of drones. With Helene still fresh on our minds, a 1.1-million-dollar federal grant is intended to give the DOT Division of Aviation a chance to develop uses that will potentially save lives. Director Becca Gallas says they’re another tool in the state’s toolbox. “So we’re excited to use this grant opportunity to explore new drone technology to be able to preposition drones and deploy drones quicker from remote locations,“ says Department of Aviation director Becca Gallas, director. Spotting the differences between a drone and a plane Gallas tells Queen City News that a ‘Drone-in-a-box’ pilot program will be launched in Lumberton, which has faced many flooding issues over the years. Once successful, the concept would eventually be employed in other areas. The idea is for units to be placed in the affected area before a storm makes landfall. The technology would allow for the delivery of insulin and other essentials. “There’s a drone located inside of it,” Gallas explained. “So with the click of a mouse in Raleigh or the EOC in that region, a technician would be able to deploy that drone relatively quickly after a storm or other event to assess infrastructure and eventually deliver supplies to those communities. “ During Helene, the NCDOT and other partners used a combination of drones, helicopters, and other aircraft in Western North Carolina. The ability to take immediate aerial photos of the damage helps responders understand how they can help best, Gallas said, “Drones is one of those aviation tools in the toolbox that we’re looking to explore and learn from so that we can respond quicker, better, faster when things like Helene happen,“ she says. The SMART grant for drones is one of 47 announced for various projects nationwide. The program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.