South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein has made a request for $1.07 billion in immediate funding to aid the rebuilding efforts in western North Carolina following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The proposed budget is aimed at revitalizing the local economy, expediting housing recovery, repairing infrastructure, assisting farmers, and ensuring educational continuity for children.

"The people of western North Carolina have suffered tremendously since Helene swept through," stated Governor Stein. He emphasized the urgency of providing financial support to facilitate recovery efforts: "I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it's time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild."

The announcement was made at MANNA Food Bank, which partners with over 300 nonprofit agencies across 16 counties in western North Carolina. Governor Stein highlighted the essential role that organizations like MANNA play in community support: "MANNA has been an essential resource for the people it serves, and its work has become even more critical since Hurricane Helene struck."

The budget request includes several funding categories:

- Strengthening the Economy: This involves $150 million for businesses affected by physical damage or economic loss, $30 million for grants to small towns and counties, $15 million for tourism promotion via VisitNC division, and $100 million in revenue replacement grants.

- Providing Safe and Warm Places to Live: Funding includes $150 million for home construction and repair, $25 million for rental assistance, $10 million for Back@Home program support, $50 million for affordable housing incentives, and $25 million to cover gaps not addressed by FEMA.

- Repairing Infrastructure: The proposal allocates $75 million for road and bridge repairs, $25 million for park cleanup, $12 million for debris removal acceleration, $10 million for backup power provisions during emergencies, and $4 million towards septic system repairs.

- Supporting Farmers: A total of $115 million is set aside to aid farmers with uninsured losses and land restoration after debris clearance.

- Caring For Families and Children: The budget outlines allocations such as $34.2 million for summer school programs in districts severely impacted by missed school days due to Helene's aftermath. Additionally, it includes funds amounting to $20 million supporting food banks and a further allocation of $2 million directed towards college students at specific universities facing financial hardships.

This comprehensive plan reflects Governor Stein's commitment to addressing both immediate needs and longer-term resilience strategies in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene's devastation.