NC Governor Stein Announces Second Hurricane Helene Budget Proposal

WNC --  Governor Josh Stein traveled to Union Mills to see Carolina Domes in order to suggest more money for the recovery effort following Hurricane Helene.  An extra $891 million is suggested by Governor Stein to aid in the reconstruction of western North Carolina.

“Western North Carolina is coming back strong, but there is much more work to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I urge the General Assembly to pass a second round of funding so that the rebuilding and recovery efforts can continue as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Governor Stein’s budget proposal includes: 

$260 million to spur economic recovery by supporting businesses and local governments and promoting western North Carolina’s tourism industry.
$239 million to strengthen critical infrastructure by repairing damaged schools, expanding debris clean-up, and investing in projects to safeguard against future disasters.
$113 million to advance housing recovery and provide assistance to families who have struggled with rent, mortgage, and utility bills.
$105 million to rehabilitate waterways and land used by farmers as well as fund wildfire prevention and response.
$23 million to address food insecurity in western North Carolina and the needs of affected community colleges.
$152 million for required state matching of federal disaster programs, investments in communication and disaster system improvements, and existing requirements that are not funded by state or federal dollars. 
The Stein administration continues to be laser-focused on rebuilding western North Carolina. During Small Business Week, Governor Stein and North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley highlighted small businesses in Marshall that were impacted by Helene. He also announced that the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina have distributed $55 million to more than 2,000 businesses in western North Carolina.

A $55 million state infrastructure initiative was also launched by the State of North Carolina, which permits local governments to apply for up to $1 million to repair public infrastructure, such sidewalks and sewers, that small businesses depend on.  In addition, the Governor attended the graduating ceremonies of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Western Carolina University, and Appalachian State University to recognize the graduates' resilience during Hurricane Helene.

WNCTimes

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