CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper said progress is being made across western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, but admitted there's still much to do as federal, state and local agencies unite to help those recovering from the storm.
"We know that there is much more to do but we know that the people here are determined and resilient," Cooper said from the Asheville airport. "We're also grateful for communities that have pulled together like never before. We're grateful for the volunteers and communities of faith who have coordinated their efforts with government officials to make sure we're reaching the people that need to be reached."
Cooper was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other federal officials to discuss the long recovery ahead for western North Carolina, including power outages, water systems and rebuilding major roads that are still closed. Helene's death toll climbed to at least 235 across the Southeast this weekend and officials say that number is expected to keep going up as crews reach more remote communities in the mountains. Helene has been blamed for at least 115 detahs in North Carolina alone.
"Anyone who needs help, we are determined to provide it to them," Cooper said.
President Joe Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to western North Carolina on Sunday, bringing the total to more than 1,500 troops from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell who are assisting with recovery efforts. Brig. Gen. Charles Morrison, the dual status commander for the North Carolina National Guard said over 3,300 active-duty and National Guard soldiers have been deployed to the region, as well as hundreds of military support vehicles and aircraft.
"An event of this size requires significant support and it requires that support from the entire federal family," Criswell said. "This is a big team, but this is what is required."
The governor is scheduled to visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, where Helene caused widespread damage.
Cooper said over 50,000 people have applied for FEMA assistance, telling reporters over $6 million has been distributed in North Carolina. He encouraged anyone with damaged property to apply as soon as possible for federal aid.
When asked about restoring water service in Asheville and surrounding communities, Cooper said there's no timeline, but shared optimism that it could happen soon.
"More than 50 water systems in western North Carolina were impaired or destroyed," Cooper said. "Many of them are coming back when the power comes back, so people are getting water a bit at a time. By that, I mean communities are coming on one at a time. We're seeing progress for that. As for Asheville and places in Buncombe County, it's still going to be a while."
On Saturday, the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration announced North Carolina will receive $100 million in emergency relief funds to help pay for repairs caused by Helene. Hundreds of roads remain closed because of the storm, including a portion of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border, which is expected to be closed for "months at a minimum," according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Cooper urged people to stay off the roads unless it's necessary.
"We still don't want tourists coming to western North Carolina," he said. "We need to preserve the roads for the commodities that are coming in, utility workers, cellphone workers, people who are providing medical assistance. We don't want people coming to western North Carolina right now. Roads that have been damaged will take quite a while to repair."
Vice President Kamala Harris visited North Carolina on Saturday, where she met with Cooper and first responders in Asheville. She promised federal assistance would continue to flow and added praise for the "strangers who are helping each other out, giving people shelter and food and friendship and fellowship.”
As the recovery continues, state lawmakers say they're prepared to approve initial disaster relief this week to address Helene's destruction. The Republican-controlled legislature already had a one-day session scheduled for Wednesday, but House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger issued a news release saying details are being worked out on how the General Assembly can facilitate the state's response.
Damage in the mountains is still being evaluated, so lawmakers expect to this legislation will include just a down payment on the state's contribution, along with other changes to state law that would provide flexibility to agencies and displaced residents.
For example, within two weeks of the destruction caused by Hurricane Florence in eastern North Carolina in September 2018, lawmakers quickly approved $57 million in disaster relief funds and also waived fees for displaced residents to obtain new driver’s licenses and identification cards. They also passed a bill forgiving schools in the hardest-hit areas up to 20 lost instructional days to ensure workers got paid.
The state government currently has $4.75 billion set aside in a “rainy-day” fund and $733 million in a disaster response reserve. Other pots of money could be tapped if needed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.