South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein has submitted North Carolina’s proposed Action Plan for a $1.4 billion federal disaster recovery grant. This plan seeks to address unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization needs in western North Carolina. The proposal was sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after a 30-day public comment period.

North Carolina claims the distinction of being the fastest state to submit such a plan following a major hurricane in the past decade. Governor Stein emphasized the need to “rebuild people’s homes and our critical infrastructure” as a priority. He expressed gratitude to residents who contributed input and urged the federal government for prompt approval to enable swift action on permanent home rebuilding.

Governor Stein, through an executive order, established a new division within the Commerce Department to oversee the HUD CDBG-DR program for western North Carolina. This Division of Community Revitalization, led by Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah, played a key role in developing the proposal and engaging the public in feedback sessions across six locations in the region.

CDBG-DR grants are intended for longer-term rebuilding efforts, addressing key areas of housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization. The Helene Action Plan prioritizes housing recovery for low and moderate-income residents while also targeting funds for infrastructure rebuilding and supporting small businesses and commercial districts.

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are moving with urgency so that western North Carolina receives the relief it needs.” He acknowledged the public’s contributions and looked forward to HUD's approval.

The HUD CDBG-DR grant for North Carolina amounts to $1.4 billion, contingent on the approval of the state’s Action Plan. While waiting on HUD, the Division of Community Revitalization has begun housing recovery efforts with $120 million in state funds approved by the General Assembly. Despite these initiatives, the current funding is considered insufficient to meet all unmet housing needs. Meanwhile, the City of Asheville has separately received a $225 million HUD grant for local administration.