Press Article: Lawmakers Question Hurricane Recovery Funding Amid Ongoing Challenges in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. — Nearly two months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, state Republican lawmakers scrutinized officials over the handling of past hurricane recovery efforts during a legislative hearing on Monday. The discussions centered on a substantial $3.9 billion recovery package proposed by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, which aims to address lingering issues from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018.
The Governor’s proposal includes an increased funding request for the Homeowner Recovery Program, raising the amount earmarked for ongoing projects from $175 million to $221 million. In contrast, the Republican-controlled Legislature previously allocated only $30 million for these efforts. GOP lawmakers expressed skepticism regarding the efficiency of the recovery programs, with Rep. Brenden Jones signaling a reluctance to approve further funding, comparing the situation to a bank refusing a loan to a poorly performing business.
The Office of Recovery disclosed that while over 2,800 families affected by past storms have found housing, approximately 1,500 remain in need of assistance. Legislative lobbyist Pryor Gibson emphasized the complexities and costs associated with rebuilding, highlighting that recovery is not as straightforward as constructing new developments.
Amid continued funding challenges, Laura Hogshead, chief operating officer for Recovery and Resiliency, warned that project delays could be imminent without additional financial support. Tensions escalated during the hearing when Jones inquired about Hogshead’s potential resignation due to perceived inefficiencies, to which she firmly declined.
Lawmakers have criticized both the Recovery office and Cooper’s administration for their handling of recovery efforts, attributing setbacks to the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating construction costs, and a lack of labor. The ongoing situation underscores the ongoing struggle to effectively manage disaster recovery in the state.
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