Environment News

North Carolina Governor Requests $3.9 Billion in Relief Following Hurricane Helene’s $53 Billion Damage

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which has caused an estimated $53.6 billion in damages across North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper is calling for significant state aid to support recovery efforts. During a press conference on October 23, 2024, Cooper described the storm as the “deadliest and most damaging” in the state’s history, highlighting the urgent need for financial assistance as communities begin to rebuild.

The Scale of Destruction

Hurricane Helene has left a profound impact on western North Carolina, resulting in the loss of 96 lives and the destruction of thousands of homes, roads, and water systems. The damages reported are three times greater than those from Hurricane Florence in 2018, underscoring the severity of the situation.

  • Key Statistics:
    • Total Estimated Damages: $53.6 billion
    • Lives Lost: 96
    • Homes and Infrastructure: Thousands of homes destroyed, extensive damage to roads and utilities

Cooper’s request for $3.9 billion in state aid is seen as a “down payment” on the future of western North Carolina, as the region grapples with the aftermath of the disaster. The General Assembly is expected to consider this request as it reconvenes, following an initial relief package of $273 million approved earlier this month.

carolina-hurricane-helene-damage

Proposed Relief Measures

Among the most pressing needs identified by Cooper are grants for small businesses, housing recovery, and agricultural support. The proposed budget includes several key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the affected areas.

  • Business Grants: Cooper is seeking $475 million to provide grants to small businesses in storm-impacted counties, which account for 45% of the state’s GDP. The goal is to quickly inject cash into the local economy, particularly in areas heavily reliant on tourism.
  • Housing Recovery: With an estimated 126,000 homes damaged—92.5% of which lack flood insurance—Cooper is requesting $325 million for housing recovery efforts. This funding is crucial as federal assistance for housing may take up to two years to materialize.
  • Agricultural Aid: The storm has impacted over 18,000 farms, with less than 10% federally insured. Cooper is asking for $225 million to support farmers as they work to recover and regrow specialty crops.

Additional Funding Requests

The relief package also includes funding for various infrastructure and community needs:

  • Public Schools and Community Colleges: $100 million for repairs and renovations.
  • Government Facility Repairs: $102 million to address damage to state facilities.
  • Water Infrastructure: $100 million to improve and repair water systems.
  • Ongoing Recovery Needs: $200 million to address lingering issues from previous hurricanes, including Florence and Matthew.

Cooper emphasized that the request is just the beginning of what will be a long recovery process. He noted that the state is expected to receive approximately $13.6 billion in federal aid, but the timeline for these funds remains uncertain.

The Path Forward

As North Carolina prepares for the legislative session, the focus will be on how much of Cooper’s request will be approved. The governor’s office has been working closely with legislative leaders to outline the extent of the damages and the necessary funding to support recovery efforts.

“This is just a start,” Cooper stated, indicating that the report on Hurricane Helene’s impact is the first of many assessments to come. The need for immediate action is clear, as communities begin the arduous task of rebuilding and recovering from one of the most devastating storms in the state’s history.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *