North Carolina Gov. Stein Proposes $891M Hurricane Helene Recovery Boost

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proposed an additional $891 million in funding to support ongoing recovery efforts in western North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The proposed budget aims to bolster economic recovery, repair critical infrastructure, assist with housing, rehabilitate waterways and farmland, address food insecurity, and fund wildfire prevention and disaster system improvements. This second round of funding comes after the state legislature approved $528 million earlier this year, which supported over 2,000 businesses, although thousands more were left without aid due to limited resources. Stein emphasized the urgency of state action rather than waiting for uncertain federal assistance, highlighting the long-term nature of the recovery process. The proposal is currently under consideration as lawmakers finalize the state budget, with the governor urging swift passage to expedite rebuilding efforts. The administration has also initiated programs distributing funds to businesses and local governments to rebuild infrastructure vital to small businesses.