In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is urging the state's legislature to nearly double their current financial commitment towards recovery efforts. Originally allocated funding is deemed insufficient as the hurricane wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Governor Stein, addressing a news conference in Mills River, emphasized the urgency of his request, which totals $1.07 billion. He underlined that postponing action could result in more businesses shuttering, delays in housing reconstruction, and educational setbacks for students. Highlighting the devastation caused by historic flooding, Stein called for the Republican-controlled General Assembly to enact his proposal immediately, rather than waiting for the two-year budget cycle beginning in July when he plans to renew his request.
Stein's funding proposal, designed to tackle immediate needs without raising taxes, encompasses a broad spectrum of recovery efforts. It includes grants for businesses struggling to stay afloat, resources for housing repair and reconstruction, cleanup initiatives for agricultural debris, as well as infrastructure repair for private bridges and roads. Funds are also earmarked for summer school programs in districts that experienced significant educational disruptions.
By securing these funds, we can set the foundation for a resilient and thriving western North Carolina, Stein remarked, underscoring the necessity of quick action to support the region's recovery.
The North Carolina legislature had previously allocated over $900 million for relief efforts and set aside additional funds for future needs. However, the unfolding situation necessitates expedited action. Encouraging bipartisan cooperation, new House Speaker Destin Hall and other legislators have expressed a commitment to advancing the governor's funding package early in the session, considering it a priority.
Senate leader Phil Berger and GOP Representative Jake Johnson, both influential in the lawmaking process, have also shown willingness to collaborate on Helene recovery legislation. Although Republicans hold the majority in the legislature, they lack the supermajority needed to override a potential veto.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic, with official reports citing over 100 fatalities and extensive damage to homes and roads. The state's budget office assesses a staggering $59.6 billion in damages, placing immense pressure on both state and federal resources to expedite rebuilding efforts. While congressional legislation and federal measures are expected to funnel over $15 billion towards recovery, the current state proposal seeks to bridge the gap until those resources are distributed.
Governor Stein's urgent funding appeal includes $150 million designated for immediate use in a home reconstruction, repair, and buyout program, enabling prompt action while waiting for federal aid disbursement. With an estimated 5,100 homes in dire need of rebuilding, this initiative aims to provide swift support for the most affected households.
Additionally, Stein proposes $150 million in grants for businesses that have faced significant economic losses due to the hurricane, offering much-needed relief without exacerbating their financial burdens through additional debt.
As the state grapples with the recovery from Hurricane Helene, Tennessee provides a parallel story, where lawmakers approved a $470 million aid package to support similar recovery efforts in the northeastern regions affected by the storm. These measures exemplify the regional cooperation and commitment to rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities in the face of natural disasters.
