North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is pushing for a hefty new funding request from Congress, seeking close to $13.5 billion to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The funds, aimed at mending the fabric of communities torn asunder nearly a year ago, encapsulate a vision for rebuilding homes, fortifying small businesses, and revamping critical infrastructure. Governor Stein, flanked by key allies including Senator Kevin Corbin and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, divulged the comprehensive plan today in Flat Rock.
With a demanding schedule, Governor Stein is slated to make his case in Washington, D.C., to federal officials this Wednesday, highlighting the profound need for this financial lifeline in western North Carolina. "Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, and it's been nearly nine months since Congress last appropriated money toward recovery," as per the Governor's Office. He continued, insisting, "Just like folks in the gulf states, the mid-Atlantic, and Puerto Rico, the people of western North Carolina deserve federal support after a major hurricane, and the time to act is now."
The granular details of the proposal reveal a sum of $8 billion earmarked for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, allocated for reviving homes and local businesses. In addition to this, nearly $2 billion is sought from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Special Community Disaster Loans to prop up essential municipal services. The crumbling infrastructure, evident in the temporary fixes on I-40, calls for another $2 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
According to statements from North Carolina leaders, federal funding to date covers only a mere 9% of the total damages inflicted by Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein, in calling upon the allocated federal agencies to disburse funds previously earmarked in the American Relief Act of 2025, aims to remedy this shortfall. His ambitious $23 billion request strives to elevate federal support to 47%, a figure that still lags behind the 70% precedent set by recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina, Maria, and Sandy.
The unity presented by North Carolina officials underscores the bipartisan impetus driving the recovery initiative. Senator Kevin Corbin, echoing Governor Stein's fervent appeal, stated, "The damage caused by Helene was immense, and western North Carolina needs federal funds to fully rebuild." Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer also chimed in, pushing for action to "ensure that western North Carolina can build back stronger," as reported by the Governor's Office.
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