The ruling orders the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reinstate funds that were previously withdrawn as part of nearly $200 million in disaster mitigation money canceled statewide.
Jackson filed the lawsuit in July, accusing FEMA of unlawfully rescinding funding that had already been pledged to North Carolina communities.
"This is a win for North Carolina, and this is a win for Fayetteville," Jackson said during his visit. "Y'all put in $3 million in reliance on FEMA's pledge to make good on their end, and then you got left hanging at the last minute. They still deserve that money from FEMA."
Fayetteville was set to receive the largest share of the canceled funding. City officials said nearly $3 million has already been invested in planning and design work for infrastructure and climate resilience projects.
If the ruling is not appealed, construction could begin as early as 2028, with an estimated three-year timeline, according to city officials.
The funding would be used to widen four bridges and an adjacent channel along Russell Street, projects aimed at reducing flooding during severe storms and protecting nearby businesses.
Mayor Mitch Colvin said the improvements are critical for both residents and long-standing businesses in the area.
"This work was important to us, not only for our residents in this community, but for those businesses to make sure that their lifetime investment is not impacted," Colvin said.
Local business owner Tommy Honeycutt, who has operated Tolar Supply Company on Russell Street for nearly three decades, said he supports the improvements but hopes business access is preserved during construction.
"Traffic has to go both directions to survive on Russell Street," Honeycutt said.
Jackson said the judge's decision came quickly because of the strength of the state's argument.
"These lawsuits can drag out for years," Jackson said. "The court said, 'I've seen enough.' North Carolina and Fayetteville you win."