Another $500 million would be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina in legislation the state House unanimously approved Tuesday.
The measure, if enacted, would add to the funds the Republican-controlled General Assembly already approved in late 2024 to spend on disaster recovery activities following the historic flooding in the mountains in September.
But Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who took office in January, requested earlier this month that legislators approve more than double that amount — $1.07 billion. He says those funds can’t wait until conventional state budget negotiations likely would wrap up early this summer and that struggling businesses, displaced residents and public-school students need help now.
GOP lawmakers agree more funds need to move fast to the region but say they want to be careful about maximizing federal matching funds and avoiding mistakes after previous storms. They also agree with Stein that more Helene aid will be approved in the months ahead.
“We all hope that that money will start flowing soon, but I fully expect that this won’t be the last,” Rep. Dudley Greene of Avery County, whose property received damage during Helene, said during floor debate. “Western North Carolina will appreciate your vote for this important next step.”
Depending on how it’s counted, the legislature has previously approved from $900 million to $1.1 billion to be available for Helene recovery activities.
