The North Carolina House pushed forward $500 million in aid to rebuild the western part of the state from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, roughly half the amount Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) asked for.
House Bill 47 passed unanimously Tuesday, authorizing funding for millions of dollars in road building, home reconstruction, and agriculture relief, among other items. While the $500 million was below what Stein wanted, lawmakers have said they intend to send more money but want to maximize federal matching funds for relief.
“We all hope that that money will start flowing soon, but I fully expect that this won’t be the last,” state Rep. Dudley Greene said on the House floor, according to the Associated Press. “Western North Carolina will appreciate your vote for this important next step.”
The current bill would need to pass in the state Senate before it could be sent to the governor’s desk for approval or veto. Stein asked lawmakers earlier this month for $1.07 billion for urgent rebuilding needs in areas still recovering from the storm.
“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,” Stein said in a statement at the time.
The governor also requested $19 billion in federal aid for Hurricane relief as western North Carolina continues to rebuild from the devastating floods caused by the 2024 storm. He met with both of North Carolina’s U.S. senators last week to plead his case for the federal funds.
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“The state has already committed more than $1 billion in funding, and I am working with the legislature to deliver more needed resources. With continued commitment of the federal and state governments, we will enable the people of western North Carolina to come back stronger than ever before,” Stein said in a statement last week.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to many key roadways, including Interstate 40, which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said is on track to have a limited reopening next month.
