North Carolina Governor Signs $528 Million Hurricane Helene Relief Bill

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025, which allocates approximately $524 million to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, particularly in western North Carolina. This funding aims to address critical needs such as home repairs, agricultural support, and infrastructure grants for small businesses. While lawmakers expressed optimism about the bill, Stein noted that the funds are only a starting point compared to the estimated $60 billion in damages caused by the hurricane. The legislation also includes provisions for ongoing recovery from past storms, including Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Stein, a Democrat, emphasized the need for continued efforts and additional funding to fully address the disaster's impact. The bipartisan support for the bill reflects a collective commitment to aid affected communities as they rebuild.