North Carolina Gov. Stein Requests $891M Amid Uncertain Federal Helene Aid

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is requesting an additional $891 million in state funding to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in an estimated $60 billion in statewide losses. This funding request emphasizes the need for state aid due to slow and uncertain federal assistance, with Stein urging the General Assembly to allocate resources for economic recovery, infrastructure repair, housing support, wildfire prevention, and community services. The proposal includes $260 million for economic recovery including forgivable loans and tourism promotion, $239 million for infrastructure such as school repairs and debris cleanup, and significant investments in housing and environmental rehabilitation. Despite bipartisan support for Helene aid, the Republican-controlled legislature has so far allocated less than Stein's requests and is expected to consider his new proposal with a conservative approach. Stein highlights the urgency of state action to address unmet needs and to compensate for federal funding delays amid ongoing federal budget uncertainties. The governor plans to continue advocating for federal support but indicates that state and local organizations will likely bear increasing responsibility for recovery efforts.