North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is seeking nearly $800 million additional state dollars for Helene recovery. (Photo: Courtesy of the Governor's office)
Governor Josh Stein is calling on the General Assembly to invest another $792 million in western North Carolina as recovery continues from Hurricane Helene. To underscore the ongoing need for help, Stein made the budget request Thursday at a home being reconstructed in Bakersville by a grant-funded nonprofit. He said the state needs to act quickly.
“Western North Carolinians are still working every day for their own recovery. Let’s match their grit and meet them with the urgency they deserve,” said Stein in his proposal to legislative leaders.
The General Assembly has approved over $1.1 billion in state funds for Helene recovery, a fraction of the estimated $60 billion in damages caused by the 2024 storm.
The governor’s budget request includes $10 million in rental and utility assistance, $20 million for forgivable loans for small businesses, and an additional $50 million to establish a revolving loan fund through the state treasurer for local governments in counties severely impacted by Helene. That portion of funding will help local governments avoid budget cuts, protect critical services, and provide cash flow for infrastructure repairs ahead of reimbursement by FEMA.
The budget request earmarks an additional $100 million for the repair or replacement of private roads, bridges and culverts that were damaged by Helene. An earlier round of funding had more applicants for this pool of money than the state could serve. Many of those private structures serve as the only access route for ambulances, fire trucks, school buses and mail delivery.
“Towns across western North Carolina are still working day in and day out to rebuild,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer in a statement. “With more funding, more homes can be rebuilt, more small businesses can stay open, and more visitors can return to the region. These are all essential ingredients in Asheville and all of western North Carolina making a full recovery.”
While more than 14 million cubic yards of debris have been removed from waterways and rights of way, the budget proposal calls for an additional $20 million for more specialized debris removal to protect sensitive waters and natural areas.
The North Carolina Forest Service would benefit from an additional $10 million in the governor’s latest proposal for essential personnel and equipment to respond to and control wildfires. Forestry officials told legislators earlier this month that the state is not prepared for this wildfire season, given the extent of damage Helene left behind.
One of the smaller appropriations in the governor’s budget request could be among the most important. He’s seeking $1.4 million in funding for the Department of Environmental Quality to continue its work on a landslide hazard mapping and warning system. Landslides caused by Helene resulted in 31 fatalities and approximately $2 billion in damage.
Legislators return to Raleigh April 21st for a short session that is already long on budget requests.
Friday marks the 18-month anniversary of Helene’s devastating blow to western North Carolina.
Read the governor’s latest Helene recovery request.
Hence then, the article about nc governor seeks nearly 800 million in state funding in latest helene recovery request was published today ( ) and is available on NC news line ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( NC governor seeks nearly $800 million in state funding in latest Helene recovery request )
Also on site :
- Savannah Guthrie Opens Up About Mother's Disappearance In Emotional Today Show Interview: 'It's Too Much To Bear'
- Fall 2026 TV: The Ultimate Return Guide for Every Cop, Medical and Legal Drama
- Germany warns of world economic ‘catastrophe’; OECD cuts UK growth forecast