Last week, Governor Josh Stein visited western North Carolina to commemorate the two-year milestone of Hurricane Helene recovery. Governor Stein highlighted the progress made to rebuild the region for the long haul and pledged to continue advocating for a $10 billion appropriation from Congress to support the next phase of recovery. Click here to read more about how Governor Stein and his administration are working to rebuild western North Carolina for the long haul.
“For two years, western North Carolinians have not taken a day off on rebuilding,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As we mark this milestone and celebrate the people who are powering the region’s recovery, real work remains. The state will stay steadfast in our support, and Congress needs to take up my $10 billion request to appropriate new funding and power the next leg of recovery.”
📍Lansing: Small businesses are the beating heart of western North Carolina’s economy. The Governor was pleased to announce $5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery across the region.
📍 Kidd Brewer Stadium: The Governor and First Lady received the Spirit of Boone Community Award and discussed the work ahead to continue encouraging people to rediscover what makes western North Carolina truly unforgettable.
📍 Mars Hill University: Governor Stein joined his Advisory Committee on WNC Recovery, made up of elected officials, local government leaders, business owners, and community advocates, to thank them for their tireless efforts supporting western North Carolinians and to discuss the road ahead for a long-term recovery.
📍Leicester and Green Mountain: Getting western North Carolinians back into safe housing is essential. Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program and the state’s partnership with nonprofit builders have helped bring more than 1,250 families back home. Governor Stein handed Dennis Fultz, a Leicester homeowner, Keith and Donna Wyatt, Green Mountain homeowners, the keys to his brand-new home.
📍Chimney Rock: The Governor met with Chimney Rock’s business owners to discuss GROW NC’s plan to support the region’s long-term economic growth.
📍 St. James AME Church: The Governor attended a worship service in Asheville to honor the more than 100 North Carolinians lost to Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein reminded the members that though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.
📍 Old Marshall Jail Hotel: We must continue to restore not only vital infrastructure but also people’s spirits. That’s where Josh Copus’ Building Community Brick Project comes in – a collection of thousands of bricks of hope assembled piece by piece by the community.