The North Carolina General Assembly came together for a one-day session to pass a second disaster relief bill providing over $600 million in aid to victims of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The bill was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate and now awaits Governor Roy Cooper’s signature. This new round of appropriations includes $604 million from the state’s savings reserve and an additional $40 million from the Disaster Relief Reserve, totaling $644 million.
Senate Leader Phil Berger emphasized the urgency of the situation in Western North Carolina due to the lack of preparation and immediate action following the hurricane. The total commitment from the General Assembly now stands at almost $900 million, with state agencies receiving the funds to assist in recovery efforts. The Department of Environmental Quality will receive the most funds for repairs of critical infrastructure, followed by the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Public Instruction.
Criticism from some legislators centered around the bill not going far enough, quickly enough for small businesses and communities. However, leaders assured that more help would be coming, especially when a new budget is drafted during the long session next year. Despite the state’s significant savings reserves, it was emphasized that additional aid from federal partners would be crucial in securing further assistance for those affected by the hurricane.
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