RALEIGH, NC – Governor Josh Stein is recommending an additional $891 million dollars to help western North Carolina rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Western North Carolina is coming back strong, but there is much more work to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I urge the General Assembly to pass a second round of funding so that the rebuilding and recovery efforts can continue as quickly and effectively as possible.”
Governor Stein’s budget proposal includes:
$260 million to spur economic recovery by supporting businesses and local governments and promoting western North Carolina’s tourism industry.
$239 million to strengthen critical infrastructure by repairing damaged schools, expanding debris clean-up, and investing in projects to safeguard against future disasters.
$113 million to advance housing recovery and provide assistance to families who have struggled with rent, mortgage, and utility bills.
$105 million to rehabilitate waterways and land used by farmers as well as fund wildfire prevention and response.
$23 million to address food insecurity in western North Carolina and the needs of affected community colleges.
$152 million for required state matching of federal disaster programs, investments in communication and disaster system improvements, and existing requirements that are not funded by state or federal dollars.
The State of North Carolina also launched an additional $55 million state infrastructure program allowing local governments to apply for up to $1 million to rebuild public infrastructure that small business rely on, such as sidewalks and sewers.
Click here to read Gov. Stein’s full Helene recovery budget proposal.
