Press Releases

Today, Governor Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt joined students and administrators at Wake Technical Community College to issue a proclamation designating February as Career and Technical Education month. Governor Stein also toured the auto tech labs at Wake Tech and spoke to school administrators, apprenticeship students, and business leaders to discuss issues facing North Carolina’s workforce.  
Today, Governor Stein announces additional staff as he continues to grow his team committed to building a safer, stronger North Carolina. Adam Chandler, Policy Director 
Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation recognizing the week of February 10th – February 14th as School Bus Driver Week, recognizing the work they do to get students to school safely and the need to address driver vacancies across the state.
Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding an update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy’s visit to western North Carolina:    “Today, I am pleased to announce that we will reopen two lanes of I-40 by March 1. I am proud of NCDOT’s focus on this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe. Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Duke Endowment has committed $5 million to the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program, which will support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Since its initial announcement on January 31, the WNCSBI grant program has already seen nearly 900 applicants—a number that is increasing daily.  
Today, Governor Josh Stein joined leaders from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss strategies to support North Carolina workers, particularly veterans in the workplace. Governor Stein also toured Wilmington’s NCWorks site and discussed career resources available to jobseekers.  
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Cold-Link Logistics, a cold storage management firm, will create 123 new jobs in Robeson County. The company will invest $85.5 million to build a cold storage warehouse in Lumberton.
Governor Josh Stein today requested $1.07 billion in immediate funding to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina. Governor Stein’s budget request includes funds to strengthen the economy, get people back into homes faster, repair infrastructure, support farmers, fix private roads and bridges, remove debris, and help school children stay at grade level. 
Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation recognizing Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day to encourage eligible hardworking North Carolinians to claim the tax credit they have earned on their upcoming federal taxes.
Today in Boone, Governor Josh Stein joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery. Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program.