RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Republican lawmakers recently introduced their initial proposal aimed at securing recovery funding for the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The new spending plan, which totals $500 million, falls significantly short of the $1.07 billion requested by Democratic Governor Josh Stein this week.
A House committee reviewed the funding proposal but opted not to vote on it during their session. The proposed allocation is meant to support various programs outlined in Stein’s request, but it accounts for less than half of what the governor deemed necessary.
Last fall, the state legislature funded relief and rebuilding efforts with over $900 million. Additional funds, previously set aside for relief, could potentially support both Stein’s and the House Republicans’ packages.
GOP legislative leaders, along with Governor Stein, have emphasized the urgency of enacting a funding bill early in the General Assembly session, rather than waiting for the state government budget negotiations that typically begin in July.
“We understand that any appropriation will never be sufficient,” said Rep. John Bell of Wayne County, co-chair of the House Helene recovery committee. “This is merely a starting point, with additional bills expected to follow.”
Both proposals include $150 million to initiate a home reconstruction and repair program in the mountainous regions while awaiting the arrival of federal funds. Additionally, they allocate funds to assist farmers and rebuild private infrastructure.
Official reports from North Carolina indicate over 100 fatalities due to Hurricane Helene, with 74,000 homes impacted and significant damage to thousands of miles of state-maintained and private roads. The storm is projected to have caused a staggering $59.6 billion in damages and recovery needs. Federal legislation passed in December and other actions are anticipated to provide over $15 billion to North Carolina for rebuilding efforts.
Rep. Bell noted that the proposed $500 million could be increased as Senate negotiations progress. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging federal matching funds for the recovery process.
Bell referred to a program from the previous administration that was aimed at rebuilding homes in the aftermath of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, which still requires $217 million to complete over 1,100 housing projects in eastern North Carolina.
Committee co-chair Rep. Dudley Greene, who experienced property damage from Helene, mentioned that western North Carolina residents remain uncertain about the availability and distribution of repair funds. “Hopefully, this is a first step in trying to alleviate some of that confusion,” Greene stated.
Creating consensus on the recovery plan will test Governor Stein’s relationship with Republican lawmakers, who control the legislature but narrowly lack a veto-proof majority following the recent elections.
The House committee is expected to review amendments next week, with a vote on the floor to follow shortly after. Senate Republicans have also filed their own disaster relief bill.
Notably, the House proposal does not include Stein’s request for $150 million for two business grant programs aimed at supporting companies that faced substantial economic losses or physical damages. Many Republicans have voiced concerns regarding direct grants to businesses, favoring loans instead. However, Bell indicated that a grant program could potentially reemerge later in the legislative process.
Additionally, the House package does not incorporate Stein’s request for $100 million to compensate local governments in mountainous regions for lost revenue, nor does it address the $34 million needed for summer school programs in public school districts that lost significant instructional days during the hurricane.
Governor Stein reiterated the urgent need for funds to avert further business closures, prevent delays in housing construction, and address academic setbacks for students.
