NC Gov. Stein proposes $891M Hurricane Helene recovery budget

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proposed an additional $891 million budget to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The funds are allocated to spur economic recovery, strengthen infrastructure, advance housing recovery, rehabilitate waterways and land, address food insecurity, and support disaster system improvements. Stein highlighted the inclusion of nearly $50 million for wildfire prevention, emphasizing the state's high risk for wildfires in the coming year. This proposal follows an existing state budget that already allocates over $1 billion for the region's recovery, with lawmakers approving an additional $700 million previously. Officials stress the importance of promoting tourism and economic activities in western North Carolina to aid the recovery process. Stein urges the General Assembly to pass this second round of funding to expedite rebuilding and support ongoing recovery efforts.