Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Western North Carolina where he was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and NCDOT Chief Operating Officer Chris Peoples to assess storm damage and ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Helene.
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Search and rescue efforts continue in Western North Carolina amidst simultaneous coordinated efforts to restore critical infrastructure and bring much needed food, water and other necessities to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a world-leading healthcare company, will create 420 jobs in Wilson County. The company says it will invest more than $2 billion in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus for innovative biologics in the City of Wilson.
Photos of the Governor’s visit to Western NC can be found here. Pool footage of the Governor’s visit can be found here.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the appointment of Jamie Adams as District Attorney to replace retiring District Attorney Reece Saunders in Prosecutorial District 21, serving Anson, Richmond and Scotland counties.“Jamie is an experienced prosecutor and is prepared to step into her new role,” said Governor Cooper. “She will serve the people of this district with distinction and I am grateful for her service to her community.”
State, federal and local partners continue to work together to surge resources into Western North Carolina in response to unprecedented damage from Hurricane Helene across the region. Operations are in progress to provide food, water and critical supplies to affected areas. Progress is also being made to improve access and telecommunications in communities damaged by the storm. While the focus remains on emergency response and rescue, the state is simultaneously stepping up recovery services in collaboration with federal and local partners across North Carolina.
President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Critical supplies are starting to reach Western North Carolina communities hit hard by devastating Hurricane Helene as crews make progress toward restoring power and cell phone service and repairing roads.
North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.
Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene.“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”