North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein delivers his inaugural address at the Capitol Building in Raleigh on Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)
Gov. Josh Stein is asking North Carolina lawmakers to set out more than $1 billion in new relief funding for Hurricane Helene recovery — almost double the total amount the state has allocated thus far.
Stein, who outlined the $1.07 billion request at a food bank outside Asheville on Monday, said it was time for the Republican-led legislature to “step up” for western North Carolina.
“I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it’s time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild,” Stein said in a statement. “We can’t forget western North Carolina – and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the state shows up for them.”
Stein’s full request includes:
- $150 million for grants to support businesses
- $150 million for a homebuilding program
- $100 million for grants to allow local governments to continue operating and providing services
- $100 million to clear debris and repair land and waterways on farms
- $75 million to repair private roads and bridges
- $34.2 million for school districts to provide summer instruction and support services
The governor’s expansive ask to address “immediate needs” comes as state officials warn that federal aid — particularly for housing — could be delayed for months, possibly into the fall.
That could complicate things for lawmakers, who have expected federal money to make up the bulk of relief in the mountains.
If the General Assembly were to fulfill Stein’s request in full, it would effectively double the state’s total financial response to the storm. Thus far, lawmakers have allocated $901 million through three recovery packages. They have appropriated an additional $227 million for relief, but have not assigned it to be spent.
That does not include federal aid, which totals around $15.7 billion for North Carolina thus far. The state’s initial ask from the federal government was $25 billion; last month, Stein asked President Donald Trump for $20 billion in additional relief and extended reimbursement from FEMA.
Helene caused approximately $58 billion in total damages across western North Carolina, officials have estimated.
“My administration has prioritized a number of items that simply cannot wait until the General Assembly enacts its budget for the next fiscal year,” Stein wrote in a letter to legislative leaders.
It remains to be seen how Republican leaders will respond to Stein’s new request. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) have said aid for Helene will be a top priority in the coming weeks. But they have also repeatedly cited the need for cautious spending on the state level.
The legislature is also facing an ask of more than $200 million to finish relief work from prior hurricanes. ReBuild NC, the homebuilding program which has faced financial troubles for years, is requesting $217 million to complete long-delayed construction work in eastern North Carolina.
Stein’s requested line-item of $150 million for a Helene Home Construction and Repair Program signals that his administration will again take on the task assigned to ReBuild NC after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. His lieutenants leading Helene relief efforts have promised a more transparent process and “leaner” operation.
Stein Helene budget request 2.3.25