South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper participated in a meeting with local government officials from Western North Carolina. The meeting, hosted by the North Carolina League of Municipalities and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, focused on addressing the urgent needs for recovery and rebuilding following Hurricane Helene.

Governor Cooper stated, “Today, I heard from municipal and county leaders from across Western North Carolina about their medium and long-term needs to rebuild and strengthen their communities after Hurricane Helene.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts to repair these communities while coordinating with state and federal administrations for a bipartisan strategy.

In October, Governor Cooper proposed a budget recommendation aimed at aiding Western North Carolina's recovery. The proposal included an initial $3.9 billion package to begin reconstructing essential infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools, and farms affected by the storm. Initial damage estimates are approximately $53 billion, making it the largest in state history.

Despite the legislature not passing the full amount outlined in Governor Cooper’s budget for recovery, there is potential for additional relief as legislators are set to reconvene later in November.

Governor Cooper has visited 15 counties impacted by Hurricane Helene since it struck North Carolina. Recovery efforts continue as local, state, and federal partners collaborate to assist those affected by the hurricane.