The fourth round of disaster relief aid in Western North Carolina has been officially enacted, bringing the total funding to over $1.4 billion in four approved aid packages since October 2024. The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025, Part I, allocates an additional $524 million for relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, as well as regulatory assistance for reconstruction. Governor Josh Stein signed the House Bill 47 into law, thanking the General Assembly for their work in passing this critical aid package to help neighbors rebuild after the hurricane.
Key funding elements of the bill include money for crop and farm recovery, housing reconstruction, repair of private roads and bridges, small business infrastructure grants, debris removal, support for essential volunteer organizations, volunteer fire departments, student learning recovery, travel and tourism marketing, and more. The legislation aims to provide much-needed relief while also holding administrations accountable for their management of previous rebuilding efforts.
Legislators have worked on amendments to the bill for over a month, with the final version including additional funds for education in Western North Carolina and increased agricultural assistance statewide. The bill also addresses reconstruction efforts in Eastern North Carolina and provides funds for ongoing recovery efforts in the region. Strict oversight and accountability provisions are included to ensure proper use of funds and prevent the failures of past reconstruction initiatives.
The legislation has received bipartisan support, with representatives praising the efforts to address the immediate needs of citizens in Western North Carolina. The bill is seen as a step forward in the ongoing recovery and reconstruction process, with a focus on helping communities rebuild and thrive after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
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