In response to the significant damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene, Governor Roy Cooper has taken decisive action to support recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. According to an official statement on the Governor's website, Cooper signed an Executive Order last week that streamlines the donation of state surplus goods to the impacted areas, with the aim of assisting state and local governments, public schools, and nonprofits that suffered property losses due to the storm.
Recognizing the urgent need to help these entities continue their vital services, the order facilitates a faster replacement process, Governor Cooper stressed that “Hurricane Helene caused immense damage to property owned by state and local governments, schools and nonprofits,” and emphasized that the Executive Order “helps get them replacement property quickly and efficiently so they can continue with their missions.” As reported, the Secretaries of the Department of Administration (DOA) and Department of Information Technology (DIT) have been authorized to carry out the procedures set forth in the order which includes easing regulations on donations of surplus property and expediting the recovery process.
Entities in the affected regions are encouraged to reach out to the State Surplus Property Agency to determine the availability of needed inventory, the Executive Order takes effect immediately and will remain operative throughout the duration of the State of Emergency. Notably, the North Carolina Council of State has offered its unanimous support for the Executive Order, signaling collective agreement on the measures to hasten the recovery and aid distribution.
