Billions in Repair and Recovery Remain 18 Months After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene – the climate-change driven superstorm that wreaked unprecedented damage in the North Carolina mountains – hit our state a full 18 months ago. Yet billions in repair and recovery costs still remain.

Stein Calls For More Recovery Funds

That’s why Governor Josh Stein last week proposed a third Hurricane Helene recovery budget to rebuild western North Carolina – a $792 million investment in recovery and support for western North Carolina’s families. 

“Western North Carolinians are still working every day for their own recovery. Let’s match their grit and meet them with the urgency they deserve,” said Governor Stein. “I am proud to have worked together with the General Assembly to pass more than $1 billion in state disaster recovery aid. Now, it’s time for the next phase of recovery: rebuilding for the long haul.”

Governor Stein’s news release included supportive statements from Melisa Winburn, President and CEO of Appalachia Service Project, as well as the co-chairs of his bipartisan Governor’s Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, State Senator Kevin Corbin (R-NC50) and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. 

“Towns across western North Carolina are still working day in and day out to rebuild, and people are counting on the state being just as invested,” said Mayor Manheimer. “I thank Governor Stein for today’s budget request and ask the General Assembly to get it passed.”

See the details of Governor Stein’s budget proposal. 

The Need For State Action Is Undeniable

The need for this additional state investment is undeniable:

• Hurricane Helene caused estimated $59–$78 billion in direct damages, making it the costliest disaster in state history, and over 100 deaths in North Carolina alone.
• Economic hardship and elevated unemployment persist from an estimated $13.1 billion in business disruption losses and the wipeout of thousands of small businesses in the impacted region.
• A major regional housing crisis persists from the damage or outright destruction of more than 125,000 homes, producing $5.3 billion in unmet residential recovery needs.

See the NC Budget and Tax Center’s report for a deep dive into these details of Western NC’s needs.  

Take Action: Tell Your Legislators to Fund Helene Recovery

With most recovery costs still unfunded and federal support covering only a small share, the burden has shifted to state leaders. North Carolina lawmakers must act now by investing in stronger unemployment support, expanding small business aid, funding housing recovery, and building permanent, effective disaster response systems, so that communities can not only recover from Helene but be prepared for future disasters.

Contact your state legislators in support of Governor Stein’s third Helene relief package now!