North Carolina Advances Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan for Hurricane Victims
Overview of the Disaster and Legislative Response
North Carolina is taking significant steps to address the lingering impacts of Hurricane Helene, which caused historic flooding and destruction across the state last fall. State Senate Republicans recently advanced a disaster recovery measure that allocates $533 million in additional spending to meet the ongoing needs of affected communities. This legislation, which cleared the Senate’s budget-writing committee, is more expansive than a $500 million relief package approved by the House last week, which focused primarily on Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina. The Senate’s proposal also includes funding for earlier storms, such as Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018), which caused widespread destruction in eastern North Carolina.
The Senate’s plan directs $217 million to complete unfinished home construction projects for victims of Matthew and Florence, addressing the slow recovery efforts that have left many residents without permanent housing. Additionally, the measure provides assistance to farmers who suffered agricultural losses not only from Helene but also from droughts and tornadoes in 2024. Senator Brent Jackson, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that citizens across all 100 counties faced disasters last year and need help now.
Legislative Progress and Bipartisan Cooperation
The Senate is expected to vote on its disaster relief bill, with leaders expressing optimism that a final agreement between the House and Senate could be reached by the end of the week. Once finalized, the bill will be sent to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for approval. While the House and Senate proposals differ in scope and specifics, both chambers agree on the importance of providing immediate relief to affected communities.
Rep. John Bell, who has been leading the House’s $500 million measure, highlighted the shared goal of helping affected residents. “Everybody wants the same thing—to get people help,” he said. Meanwhile, Gov. Stein has proposed his own $1.07 billion relief plan, which would double the state’s current funding for Helene recovery. However, Republican lawmakers are cautious about spending, aiming to maximize federal matching funds and avoid mistakes made during previous disaster recoveries.
Despite these differences, legislative leaders and Gov. Stein agree that additional funding for Helene relief will be necessary later this year, given the immense needs across the state.
The Human Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left an indelible mark on North Carolina, causing over 100 deaths and a record $59.6 billion in damages and recovery needs. More than five months after the storm, many residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives. State data shows that over 5,700 households in western counties remain in temporary housing, and more than 200 public roads in the region are still closed or partially opened. These numbers underscore the long-term challenges faced by affected communities.
Gov. Stein has emphasized that recovery efforts are just beginning and will require a sustained, collective effort. “The underlying message I want to leave with people is we’re making progress, but it’s just a start,” he said during a recent meeting of statewide elected officials. “This work is long term and it’s going to be hard, and we all have to be there together.”
Focus on Agricultural Relief and Rebuilding Infrastructure
Both the Senate and House proposals prioritize assistance to farmers who suffered losses due to disasters in 2024. The Senate’s plan includes funding to help agricultural businesses recover from Helene, as well as from droughts and tornadoes. This reflects the broader recognition of the need to support North Carolina’s farming communities, which are critical to the state’s economy.
The legislation also emphasizes repairs to damaged homes, private bridges, and roads, as well as rebuilding infrastructure near small businesses. However, the Senate plan omitted a provision included in the House bill that would have allocated $15 million to nonprofits for grants to small businesses. Gov. Stein and Democrats have advocated for direct grants to small businesses, many of which are already burdened by loans.
Relief Funding and Long-Term Recovery Efforts
The Senate’s disaster recovery plan includes funding for local school districts that were forced to close for weeks due to Helene. This money will support summer school programs to help students catch up on lost learning time. While the House plan did not include this provision, both chambers have agreed on the importance of investing in education as part of the recovery process.
The legislation also addresses ongoing delays in the state’s housing reconstruction program for victims of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The program, created under former Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, has faced significant challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising construction costs, and management issues. While about 3,300 home construction projects have been completed, another 1,000 remain unfinished. The state is now stepping in to provide funding for these projects, but both the Senate and House bills include strict oversight mechanisms to ensure the money is spent effectively.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Funding
As North Carolina moves forward with its disaster recovery efforts, challenges remain. The state is relying on federal funds to support its recovery initiatives, but legislative leaders are cautious about overextending state resources. Gov. Stein and lawmakers agree that additional funding for Helene relief will be included in the state budget later this year, reflecting the recognition that recovery is a long-term process.
Meanwhile, the Office of Recovery and Resiliency, the state agency responsible for overseeing disaster recovery efforts, has faced criticism for its handling of previous storms. Both the Senate and House bills include provisions to shut down the agency, with Gov. Stein’s administration taking over Helene-related home reconstruction efforts through a new agency.
In the end, the road to recovery for North Carolina will require patience, collaboration, and a commitment to helping all affected communities rebuild and thrive. As Gov. Stein reminded residents, the work ahead is long and difficult, but with unity and determination, the state can overcome even the toughest challenges.
