In a rare show of unanimous bipartisan support, North Carolina lawmakers have approved House Bill 1012, a sweeping measure that allocates $700 million in new state funding toward ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The bill, passed unanimously by both chambers on June 26, now awaits the expected signature of Governor Josh Stein.
The newly approved funds bring the total state and federal investment in Helene-related relief to over $2.1 billion, marking one of the largest disaster recovery efforts in state history.
A Dedicated Hurricane Relief Fund
The legislation sets aside the $700 million in a dedicated Hurricane Helene relief fund, with $500 million earmarked for immediate use to address urgent needs across storm-affected communities. The remaining $200 million will be reserved for future relief and rebuilding priorities as assessments continue.
“This bill sends a clear message that North Carolina stands united in its commitment to rebuilding stronger and smarter after Helene,” said House Speaker Tim Moore, who praised the bipartisan cooperation behind the bill.
Funding Breakdown: Targeted Recovery and Resilience
The bill includes a wide array of appropriations, with funding directed toward infrastructure, agriculture, education, and emergency preparedness. Key allocations include:
- $70 million to match federal disaster relief for existing and upcoming projects.
- $75 million to repair and replace privately owned roads and bridges damaged by floodwaters and landslides.
- $51.5 million in interest-free loans for local governments to help stabilize municipal budgets.
- $70 million in infrastructure grants to help municipalities rebuild essential public systems.
- $25 million for farmers to recover from storm-damaged barns, fencing, irrigation systems, and crop storage.
- $270 million redirected from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) budget to rebuild storm-damaged roads, highways, and culverts.
- $65 million for school districts to repair or reconstruct damaged school buildings.
- $25 million to upgrade regional airports and enhance their role in future disaster response operations.
- $18 million to construct and repair fire stations in Western North Carolina.
- $16 million dedicated to infrastructure improvements and economic redevelopment in Canton, a mountain town heavily affected by flooding.
- $12.25 million for repairs to state park facilities, many of which sustained wind and water damage.
- $10 million in emergency aid to help public and private colleges and universities resume operations.
- $8 million in targeted support for apple growers in Western NC, whose crops were severely impacted.
A Statewide Recovery Mission
Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina earlier this year, brought widespread flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure disruption across both coastal and inland communities. Towns in Western North Carolina, like Canton, saw historic flooding that washed out roads, overwhelmed fire stations, and devastated farms and businesses.
Governor Josh Stein, who has advocated for a robust state response to the storm, is widely expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.
“This is not just about rebuilding what was lost,” said Sen. Gladys Peterson (D-Greensboro). “It’s about making our communities more resilient, making sure that our schools, farms, roads, and fire stations are stronger and safer the next time a storm like Helene hits.”
With $200 million held in reserve, lawmakers say they are preparing for the long-term nature of recovery, including potential environmental remediation, housing support, and hazard mitigation strategies.