RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – NC state representatives are considering an additional $500 million for rebuilding efforts in the western portion of the state after Hurricane Helene.
Members of the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery met Wednesday to discuss HB 47, a spending proposal that totals less than half of what Governor Josh Stein said is necessary to cover “immediate needs.”
Stein visited the region Monday, calling for $1.07 billion to support urgent rebuilding needs.
The short title for the new bill is “The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part I,” suggesting lawmakers intend to follow the legislation with more action.
Committee co-chair State Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) said the bill is a framework and “a step forward” in the House’s ongoing response to the devastation.
“We know that no matter what appropriation we’re able to do, it’s never going to be enough, but this is a starting point, with multiple bills after this to follow,” he said.
This is the fourth aid package from the legislature and the largest since October 2024 when elected officials allocated $600 million for the storm-affected counties.
The funds are allocated as follows:
- $150 million for home reconstruction and repairs.
- $150 million for agriculture restoration projects and assistance.
- $100 million for private road and bridge repairs and replacements.
- $60 million for repair of state facilities, including state parks and prisons.
- $20 million for debris removal unmet needs.
- $10 million for Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs).
- $10 million for volunteer fire departments in the affected area.
The Republican-backed bill matches Stein’s request for home reconstruction but does not include funding for two major business grant programs nor the costs to cover summer school for districts that lost about two weeks of class time.
Committee members can make amendments to the proposal when they meet on February 11.
