RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper is asking state lawmakers for $3.9 billion for Hurricane Helene storm damage and aid in western North Carolina nearly one month after the storm devastated the region.
Gov. Roy Cooper and State Budget Director Kristin Walker held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to explain how much money they're asking for and where that funding would go. The General Assembly is scheduled to return to session on Thursday. State lawmakers moved quickly to approve a $273 million relief package in response to Helene's damage, but more funding is needed as we get further from the storm. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle acknowledged the immediate relief package was simply the first step to rebuilding western North Carolina communities.
"The initial state funding request is $3.9 billion," Cooper said. "This is a down payment on western North Carolina's future."
Cooper said based on new estimates, Helene is the costliest natural disaster in North Carolina history. Cooper said the storm's damage is "roughly $53 billion, more than three times the damage inflicted by Florence" in 2018.
"This proposal would give western North Carolina a jumpstart on recovery," Cooper said. "This funding represents immediate help for small businesses. Giving them support now can help get the economy going. These businesses need cash fast, and our plan would provide grants and loans to keep businesses afloat, just like during the pandemic."
Cooper told reporters this is "just the start," saying the money is available from "different places." The governor didn't elaborate on those sources.
"One this is for certain. No matter how is football the bill, but especially if it's taxpayers, we need to ensure that homes, businesses and water systems are rebuilt stronger to withstand future storms," Cooper said. "We've been building back stronger in eastern North Carolina from Matthew and Florence. I thas been more expensive, but it works."
Sen. Kevin Corbin, a Republican from Macon County, told WRAL there's still no exact amount known for recovery.
"I think that's the question of the day," Corbin said. "I've talked with our budget folks a couple of times and nobody has a dollar figure. I can tell you it will be hundreds of millions of dollars and I think we can even use the billion word."
Helene has been blamed for 96 deaths in North Carolina, according to state officials. The total death toll across all states is 214 after it was reported that Buncombe and Henderson counties previously reported inflated death tolls.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced that active-duty military forces will soon wind down efforts in western North Carolina. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Pentagon is "extremely proud" of the work soldiers have done, which included clearing hundreds of miles of roads and delivering emergency supplies to communities that were isolated by washed-out bridges and landslides.
About 1,500 Army soldiers from Fort Liberty and over 400 Army Corps of Engineers have been on the ground since the storm hit. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stressed the federal mission is "not ending," saying FEMA and National Guard personnel will remain in North Carolina.
