Marking half a year since the devastating blow of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein visited western North Carolina, paying tribute to the 106 individuals whose lives were abruptly ended by the storm. In an act of remembrance and commitment, the Governor engaged with grieving families and frontline heroes, celebrating the selfless acts of those like volunteer battalion chief Tony Garrison and his nephew Brandon Ruppe, who perished while saving others from a fatal mudslide. "Today, we honor their legacies and recommit to supporting our neighbors every step of the way as they work to rebuild western North Carolina," Governor Stein stated.
As part of his visit, ceremonially Governor Stein signed a proclamation, with his pledge to keep fighting for the region reinforced by recently introduced measures designed to accelerate recovery. Having experienced firsthand, the governor met with Fairview Fire Department personnel who showed exemplary bravery amid the crisis. Governor Stein's administration has not only pushed through a $1.4 billion Action Plan for relief to Western North Carolina but also penned the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1, amassing $524 million in aide, as per official statements from the Governor's office.
Addressing the long road still ahead for disaster-stricken communities, Governor Stein continues to lobby for substantial federal support to the tune of $19 billion, geared toward infrastructure restoration, housing rehabilitation, and future disaster mitigation. Giving credit to the quick work of Stein's administration, the Governor's Recovery Office reports that this is the fastest a state Action Plan has been submitted in the wake of a major hurricane over the past decade.
In a tangible sign of ongoing aid, FEMA has agreed to 30-day extensions on vital assistance programs, responding positively to requests from the Governor's team. While the people of North Carolina carry the weight of loss, work relentless first responders and community leaders to restore a semblance of normalcy, the governor expressed his gratitude to pillars like the Fairview Fire Department for their valor. Additional details and updates on the recovery process can be found through the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina's recovery dashboard.
