Press Releases

Governor Stein, NC Department of Commerce Announce Expansion Of Temporary Recovery Jobs, Training for Residents of 39 Helene-Impacted Counties

Residents of 39 counties may now apply to participate in the temporary jobs program that puts North Carolinians to work on recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley announced today. This represents an expansion from the 25-county area that was first announced in October.

Governor Josh Stein Urges FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to Grant Six-Month Extension of Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program

Today, Governor Josh Stein wrote a letter asking FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for eligible North Carolinians for an additional six months, through September 30, 2025, so that western North Carolinians have certainty about a safe place to live as they rebuild. 

Governor Josh Stein Joins HUD Leader Adrianne Todman to Announce $1.65 Billion For Helene Recovery in Western North Carolina

Today, Governor Josh Stein joined The Honorable Adrianne Todman, head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in Asheville to announce two major Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) awards, totaling more than $1.65 billion. 

Governor Josh Stein Announces Members of Western North Carolina Recovery Team

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that he has hired six people who will play a key role in western North Carolina recovery efforts, including leaders of the newly-established Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and the new Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) within the Department of Commerce. 

Governor Josh Stein Announces Executive Order to Keep North Carolina Warm

Governor Josh Stein today announced an executive order to temporarily waive federal limits on the amount of time drivers transporting propane and other heating fuels can be on the road, ensuring heating materials get to people in need quickly.  

ICYMI: In First Executive Orders, Governor Stein Focuses on Safety of Western NC Residents

Governor Josh Stein yesterday traveled to Asheville to announce his first executive orders, demonstrating his commitment to urgently provide relief to people affected by Hurricane Helene as the winter months set in.Governor Stein also traveled to Swannanoa to tour damaged homes and meet with families.

Governor Josh Stein Signs Five Helene Recovery Executive Orders in First Action as Governor

Today, Governor Josh Stein signed five executive orders to bring much-needed relief to people in western North Carolina, including accelerating temporary housing and the repair of private roads and bridges.Right now, with tens of thousands of houses damaged or destroyed, more than 12,000 western North Carolinians are without safe housing, and an estimated 8,000 private roads and bridges need to be repaired or replaced to reinstate access to emergency services, school buses, and other transportation.