Gov. Stein calls for $13.5B in additional funding for Hurricane Helene recovery

FLAT ROCK, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — During a press conference in Flat Rock on Monday, Gov. Stein announced he is seeking an additional $13.5 billion from Congress for Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina.

The proposal calls for $8 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund the rebuilding of homes and small businesses. An additional $2 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Special Community Disaster Loans will help local governments finance police and fire protection, revenue collection, hazard insurance, trash collection, and public facilities maintenance. The request also includes $2 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation to restore roads and critical infrastructure, including I-40, which has seen temporary repairs. 

“Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, and it’s been nearly nine months since Congress last appropriated money toward recovery. Just like folks in the Gulf states, the mid-Atlantic, and Puerto Rico, the people of western North Carolina deserve federal support after a major hurricane, and the time to act is now,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Western North Carolinians are counting on the federal government for help to rebuild homes, support small businesses, and repair roads. I call on Congress to deliver for western North Carolina its fair share and appropriate an additional $13.5 billion in funding for Helene recovery.”

Following the announcement, Gov. Stein will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials regarding the importance of receiving these necessary funds that are crucial to western N.C.’s recovery.

“The damage caused by Helene was immense, and western North Carolina needs federal funds to fully rebuild,” said Senator Kevin Corbin. “I am proud to work across the aisle to advocate for western North Carolina’s recovery, and I urge Congress to pass the state’s request so we can get more resources to communities out west.”

Stein is also requesting that federal agencies allocate funding to North Carolina that was previously appropriated by Congress in the American Relief Act of 2025. The Governor’s full request, including the new $13.5 billion requested of Congress and outstanding allocations by federal agencies, totaling $23 billion.