Lawmakers approve additional $700 million for western NC recovery

North Carolina lawmakers have approved another substantial round of aid for western North Carolina communities still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, pushing total disaster relief funding above $2 billion.

The North Carolina Senate and House passed House Bill 1012 unanimously this week. The funding is a bipartisan package that allocates $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief. The legislation marks the fifth major recovery package passed since Helene devastated parts of the state last fall.

“This is a comprehensive response in our continued efforts to address Helene and the rebuilding of North Carolina,” said Rep. Karl Gillespie, R-Macon. “Generally speaking, this bill is designed to get to the folks who need it most as quickly as possible. Address the most immediate needs. We’re certainly not addressing all of the needs, but there will be more to work on later. But we believe this bill is addressing the needs that are the most urgent right now.”

The legislation formally extends the Hurricane Helene State of Emergency through October 1. Combined with prior efforts totaling more than $1.4 billion, North Carolina’s funding for Helene-related relief now exceeds $2.1 billion.

The legislation has been sent to Gov. Josh Stein for his signature before it can become law. As outlined in a House press release, key appropriations include:

• $270M allocated from DOT budget specifically toward Helene WNC repairs
• $70M to continue pulling down critical federal disaster recovery funding
• $75M towards construction and reimbursement of privately owned roads and bridges
• $65M towards repair and reconstruction of damaged schools
• $50M in additional no-interest loans for impacted units of local government
• $70M in funding for local government capital repairs 
• $25M to upgrade and enhance regional airports to support disaster responses 
• $18M to invest in fire stations across WNC to prepare for a high-risk fire season 
• $18M in additional funding to support our frontline volunteer organizations 
• $16M in infrastructure investments to support redevelopment in Canton, NC 
• $12.25M to repair damaged state park facilities and expedite reopening
• $10M to support impacted public and private colleges and universities in the region
• $8M to support apple growers in Western NC

The package also includes targeted funds for landslide mapping, dam safety improvements, damaged rail line repairs, and renewed tourism promotion.

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