Staff Writer
Western North Carolina is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Homes remain in ruins, businesses are struggling to stay open, and critical infrastructure is in disrepair. With nearly $60 billion in damages, communities need real support—not bureaucratic delays. Today, Governor Josh Stein made it clear: the time for action is now.
Speaking at MANNA Food Bank, an organization that has been on the front lines of disaster relief, Stein urged state lawmakers to approve $1.07 billion in immediate funding to help residents, businesses, and local governments rebuild and recover.
“The people of western North Carolina have suffered tremendously since Helene swept through. I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it’s time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild. We can’t forget western North Carolina – and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the state shows up for them.”
Credit: Governor Josh Stein Facebook
A Plan Focused on Urgency and Recovery
This funding isn’t about long-term studies or administrative hurdles—it’s targeted relief to stabilize communities right now. The proposal directs funding toward five key areas that will have an immediate impact.
1. Economic Recovery – $295 Million
- $150 million in grants to help businesses rebuild and recover lost revenue.
- $30 million to revitalize small-town main streets and business districts.
- $15 million for VisitNC tourism initiatives to bring travelers and investment back to the region.
- $100 million in local government revenue replacement, ensuring essential services keep running.
2. Housing Relief – $263 Million
- $150 million to launch the Helene Home Construction and Repair Program, targeting 5,100 homes for immediate rebuilding.
- $50 million in incentives for affordable housing development.
- $25 million for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance.
- $10 million for Back@Home, a program that helps displaced residents find permanent housing.
- $25 million to fill in gaps where FEMA funding falls short.
3. Infrastructure Restoration – $310.6 Million
- $75 million for private road and bridge repairs, ensuring people can safely access their homes.
- $25 million for parks and greenway restoration, supporting both residents and tourism.
- $12 million for debris removal, accelerating cleanup efforts.
- $10 million for backup power systems to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
- $4 million to repair failing septic systems, preventing future health crises.
4. Agricultural Support – $146.9 Million
- $15 million in grants for farmers facing uninsured losses.
- $100 million to clear debris and repair farmland, protecting the region’s agricultural economy.
- $19.4 million in wildfire prevention measures to mitigate future disaster risks.
5. Supporting Families and Schools – $56.2 Million
- $34.2 million for summer learning programs in school districts that missed 15+ days of instruction.
- $20 million for food banks, ensuring families in need have access to meals.
- $2 million for emergency college grants to prevent students from dropping out due to financial hardship.
The Cost of Waiting is Too High
Every day of delay means more businesses forced to close, more families struggling to find stable housing, and more communities at risk of falling further behind. This isn’t just about recovery—it’s about preventing an even deeper crisis.
“We can’t afford to miss an entire construction season. We can’t afford to let small businesses go under while they wait for relief. We need to act—and we need to act now.”
The next move belongs to the North Carolina General Assembly. Governor Stein has laid out the urgency, the funding, and the plan—the question is whether lawmakers will deliver for western North Carolina when it matters most.