Lawmakers Introduce $500 Million Proposal for Hurricane Helene Recovery
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, state legislators have put forward a $500 million proposal aimed at addressing disaster recovery needs. This initiative represents the fourth phase of state funding dedicated to storm recovery. Governor Josh Stein had previously advocated for $1.07 billion in state support, highlighting the scale of the recovery effort.
The proposed legislation, titled the Disaster Recovery Act, focuses on funding for home reconstruction, agricultural recovery, flood resilience projects, and the restoration of private roads and bridges. Additionally, it provides for the repair of state facilities and removal of storm debris.
Contrasting with Governor Stein’s proposal, this bill does not allocate funds for local governments that suffered revenue losses or for business recovery grants, for which Stein had recommended $100 million.
Representatives Dudley Greene (R-McDowell) and John Bell (R-Wayne), who co-chair the Helene House subcommittee, sponsored this bill. The subcommittee, formed in December 2024 to facilitate recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, includes six vice chairs and 36 members from various parts of the state.
Representative Bell emphasized, “the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene is the ‘top priority of both chambers.'”
The Disaster Recovery Act outlines appropriations as follows:
- $150 million for home reconstruction and repairs
- $150 million for agricultural restoration projects
- $100 million for private road and bridge repairs
- $60 million for the repair of state facilities, including state parks, forests, and two correctional facilities affected by the hurricane, namely Western Correctional Center for Women and Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women.
- $20 million for debris removal
- $10 million in grants to Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, which includes groups like the American Red Cross and the Diaper Bank of North Carolina.
- $10 million for small and volunteer fire departments to cover storm-related expenses and enhance future emergency preparation capabilities.
The bill includes provisions to ensure state funds are not used for expenses likely covered by federal aid. It also extends the state of emergency declaration for Helene until June 1.
A funding transfer of $275 million from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund to the Helene fund is proposed, which currently holds $225 million.
Previously, the state allocated approximately $1 billion in three rounds of funding for storm recovery.
The governor’s office had estimated in December that recovery across Western North Carolina would require $59.6 billion.
The next legislative session will take place next Tuesday, allowing committee members to suggest amendments to the recovery funding plan.
