(The Center Square) – Another $524 million for western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September and $217 million for eastern North Carolina in the wake of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in 2016 and 2018, respectively, is on track to be appropriated by the General Assembly.
There’s also $110 million statewide for farmers in addition to Helene-specific agriculture funding. Helene aid from the state will total more than $1.4 billion. The legislation passed 45-0 in the Senate on March 5 and, following conference committee negotiations leading to a fifth version of the bill, 115-1 in the House on Tuesday evening, with Guilford County Democrat Pricey Harrison the lone vote against.
Wednesday afternoon, the Senate agreed to the House changes 50-0.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, in his budget proposal release Wednesday morning, indicated he’s going to continue to work with lawmakers on appropriations outside of his full 250-page spending plan.
“This bill marks another important step forward for the people of western North Carolina,” said Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, in a release provided by the speaker of the House of Representatives. “It allocates essential funding for home construction, farmer support, small business relief, and educational assistance.”
Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, was emphatic regarding the situation in southeastern North Carolina now eight and six-plus years later, calling is a “scandalous rebuilding failure.”
“The Cooper and Biden administrations neglected North Carolinians, leaving communities to suffer due to mismanagement and broken promises,” he said. “It is time to pass this legislation and deliver the aid and accountability that our citizens expect and deserve.”
Also within the legislation known as Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1, or House Bill 47, are:
• $200 million to Helene-specific crop-loss and farm restoration.
• $120 million for rebuilding and repairing homes.
• $100 million for repairing private roads and bridges.
• $55 million for small business infrastructure grants.
• $20 million to remove millions of cubic yards of debris.
• $10 million to support essential volunteer organizations.
• $10 million for volunteer fire departments.
• $9 million for learning recovery for students in Helene-affected counties.
• $4 million for travel and tourism marketing.
