RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gov. Josh Stein is requesting $19 billion in federal funds for Helene-related recovery and rebuilding, he announced Thursday.
The governor met with Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd to advocate for critical investments in western North Carolina’s recovery from the historic fall storm.
“Hurricane Helene destroyed so much across western North Carolina – lives, homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure — and our state is facing nearly $60 billion in damages,” he said in a statement. “Despite a focused response from federal, state, local, and private sector and nonprofit partners in the immediate aftermath, five months later, it is clear that much more help is needed to restore and rebuild western North Carolina. That’s why I am requesting $19 billion in federal funds for Helene recovery.”
His budget requests include the following initiatives:
- Assist the repair and reconstruction of homes. More than 185,000 homes were
damaged, and it is estimated that 96% of residents with flood damage do not have flood
insurance. - Restore critical infrastructure to keep people safe and spur economic activity. Roads
and bridges must be reopened, and safe water and sewer services are necessary. - Keep businesses open, protect jobs, and boost local economies. Local small businesses
have suffered dramatic losses in revenue. They need support to help them weather the
lean winter months. - Shore up local governments facing budget shortfalls. Towns and cities across western
North Carolina expect dramatic revenue loss over the years ahead. They need resources
to continue providing basic services. - Reduce impacts from future flooding, wildfires, and severe weather. We must invest
in resiliency so that North Carolinians can be confident that their homes and communities
will not be swept away again.
The state has already proposed more than $1 billion in funding, and Stein’s office says they’re working to make more available. The full federal proposal can be found here.
“I am working with the legislature to deliver more needed resources,” he said. “With continued commitment of the federal and state governments, we will enable the people of western North Carolina to come back stronger than ever before.”
The proposal comes a day after Stein was announced as co-chair of the Council of Governors.
