Stein Proposes $792M Helene Recovery Plan

Josh Stein released a detailed third-phase Hurricane Helene recovery proposal totaling nearly $792 million, calling on lawmakers to sustain momentum as western North Carolina continues to rebuild.

Speaking at a reconstruction site in Mitchell County, Stein underscored both the progress made and the work still ahead, pointing to partnerships with local leaders — including State Sen. Ralph Hise — as key to the region’s recovery.

“The legislature and I — and I see Senator Hise here — thank you for your focus, your attention, your dedication to this work,” Stein said during the announcement. “We’re grateful to have him in the General Assembly fighting for western North Carolina.”

Hise, a Republican who represents several western counties and serves in Senate leadership, has been involved in legislative oversight of hurricane recovery efforts, including serving on the GROW NC advisory committee. 

The governor’s proposal builds on more than $1 billion already approved by the state for Hurricane Helene recovery.

In a letter to legislative leaders, Stein said the storm “reshaped western North Carolina in ways that will be felt for years,” adding that current needs remain unmet despite earlier funding.

Key Funding Areas

Economic Recovery — $82.1 million

The proposal aims to boost local economies still lagging behind pre-storm levels:

• $50 million for a local government revolving loan fund

• $20 million in forgivable small business loans

• $10 million for tourism promotion

• Additional support tied to the Blue Ridge Parkway

State officials say earlier investments helped retain about 15,000 jobs, though tourism remains below normal levels.

Housing Support — $10 million

The plan includes rental and utility assistance for displaced families and expanded nonprofit partnerships, including groups like Appalachia Service Project, which has helped rebuild homes across the region.

Infrastructure and Resilience — $230 million

Major investments target gaps not covered by federal aid:

• $100 million for private roads and bridges

• $25 million in local government capital grants

• Funding for debris removal, flood mitigation, dam safety, and wastewater systems

• $15 million for emergency communications improvements for the Voice Interoperability Project for Emergency Responders (VIPER)

State data shows most major systems have been restored, but officials say complex repairs remain in rural and mountainous areas.

Forests and Wildfire Risk — $17.3 million

The plan includes funding for wildfire mitigation as storm debris increases fire danger heading into the 2026 season.

Federal Match and Disaster Response — $452 million

Nearly half the proposal is dedicated to leveraging federal funds:

• $205 million for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers obligations

• $245 million for FEMA match and upfront project costs

Stein said these funds are critical to prevent delays tied to federal reimbursement timelines.

Policy Changes and Flexibility

The proposal also includes structural changes, such as converting local government loans into a revolving fund and expanding flexibility for how recovery dollars are used.

Recovery Progress and Remaining Challenges

According to the governor’s office:

• More than 14 million cubic yards of debris have been removed

• Nearly 8,000 households have applied for housing recovery programs

• Most state roads and water systems are operational

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Still, Stein emphasized that recovery is far from complete at a job site in front of a large dirt pile.

“Take a look behind me — we are not finished,” he said. “We cannot stop now.”

Legislative Path Forward

The proposal now heads to the General Assembly, where leaders, including Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall, will determine whether to approve the funding.

Stein framed the effort as a continued bipartisan mission, highlighting cooperation with lawmakers like Hise and others representing the hardest-hit regions.

“Disaster recovery transcends party politics,” Stein said. “We must keep fighting for recovery.”

The proposal comes a day after his column about taxes and services.