Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts Intensify in North Carolina
North Carolina is taking significant steps to address the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused historic flooding and widespread destruction in western parts of the state last September. On Tuesday, the state House unanimously approved legislation allocate an additional $500 million toward recovery efforts. This measure aims to provide urgent relief to struggling businesses, displaced residents, and public school students affected by the disaster. While the bill moves to the Senate for further consideration, it marks an important milestone in the ongoing recovery process.
The $500 million allocation is part of a broader effort to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused over 100 deaths, damaged 74,000 homes, and left thousands of miles of roads, bridges, and culverts in ruins. State officials estimate the storm caused a record $59.6 billion in damages and recovery needs. The approved legislation emphasizes repairs for damaged homes, private bridges, and roads, as well as assistance for farmers who lost crops and infrastructure near small businesses. However, it does not include provisions from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s original request, such as compensation for local governments in the mountains for lost or spent revenues and a program to directly support small businesses harmed by the storm.
Legislative Debate and Bipartisan Agreement on Urgent Relief
GOP lawmakers in the House acknowledged the need for swift action but expressed caution about maximizing federal matching funds and avoiding mistakes made during previous disaster recovery efforts. Rep. Dudley Greene of Avery County, whose property was damaged during the storm, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Western North Carolina will appreciate your vote for this important next step.” While the House measure does not fully meet Gov. Stein’s request for $1.07 billion, legislators on both sides agree that more aid will be approved in the months ahead.
To address some of the concerns raised by Gov. Stein, House Republicans introduced a successful amendment that allocates $15 million to nonprofit organizations, which will provide small business revitalization grants. The amendment also allows local governments participating in an existing state loan recovery program to avoid repaying some proceeds. Democrats representing flood-ravaged regions welcomed these adjustments but expressed concerns that federal funds may not be sufficient and that state aid may arrive too late.
The Scale of the Disaster and Ongoing Challenges
The impact of Hurricane Helene has left thousands of displaced residents relying on rental assistance or temporary housing, with debris-filled areas and struggling businesses that depend on tourism unsure of their future. State Rep. Lindsey Prather of Buncombe County highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’ve got to move quicker and we’ve got to spend more.” Despite the progress made with the $500 million allocation, many in the affected regions remain anxious about the timeline for receiving aid and the adequacy of federal and state support.
Federal Funding and Future Recovery Efforts
Gov. Stein’s administration estimates that Congress-approved disaster relief funds and other federal sources could ultimately provide over $15 billion for Helene recovery in North Carolina. Earlier this month, the governor requested an additional $13.1 billion from Washington to support the state’s recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the House is considering another measure to take $475 million from state reserves to create a statewide crop loss program for 2024 disasters.
Broader Implications for State Recovery and Budget Negotiations
The storm legislation serves as an early test for the relationship between the legislature and Gov. Stein, whose veto power has grown since Republicans lost their veto-proof majority in the November elections. While the House and Senate have their own spending ideas, there is bipartisan agreement that additional aid for Helene recovery will be approved in the coming months. The state’s response to the disaster will not only shape the immediate recovery efforts but also influence future budget negotiations and the ability of North Carolina to address the long-term impacts of climate-related events.
