Search and rescue operations remain underway in communities across Western North Carolina and supplies are being brought into the region by air following devastating impacts from Tropical Storm Helene.“This is a historic and catastrophic storm for Western North Carolina and I’m grateful to first responders working right now to save lives and evacuate residents,” Governor Cooper said. “Efforts are also underway to get power and communications restored, and we’re bringing in needed supplies by air.”
Press Releases
Governor Roy Cooper has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government for North Carolina for 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for federal Public Assistance and Individual Assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders continue to urge North Carolina residents to monitor dangerous conditions from Hurricane Helene, stay off roads in the western part of the state except in cases of emergency and listen to local officials.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Megean Simpson to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 30, serving Union County. Simpson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Joseph Williams.“Megean Simpson will serve the people of Union County well thanks to her wealth of experience and dedication to public service,” said Governor Cooper. “I am grateful for her service to her community and her willingness to accept this position.”
Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders urged North Carolinians today to prepare for life-threatening flooding as well as high winds, tornadoes and heavy rain as Hurricane Helene passes through the state.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Brad Salmon to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 12, serving Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties. Salmon will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Michael Onufer.“Brad Salmon’s previous experience in this role ensures he is a prepared and capable judge,” said Governor Cooper. “I am grateful for his service to his community and his willingness to step up and serve the people as a District Court Judge.”
Today, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene as North Carolina prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across North Carolina through Saturday morning.
Reckitt*, a global leader in health, hygiene and nutrition, will establish a major production plant in Wilson County to produce the over-the-counter medicine Mucinex, creating 289 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $145.59 million in Wilson.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper vetoed HB10, the Republican scheme to take taxpayer money out of public schools and redirect it to private schools. The Governor was joined by education and business leaders from both sides of the aisle to highlight the disastrous impact this would have on public schools, particularly those in rural areas.Governor Cooper issued the following statement on his veto of House Bill 10 Require ICE Cooperation & Budget Adjustments:
Legislative Republicans’ plan to spend $625 million this year on taxpayer funded private school vouchers instead of public schools will hurt rural communities the most. And school boards and leaders in rural North Carolina are speaking out. Voucher expansion would disproportionately impact rural North Carolina counties, where access to private education is limited and public schools serve as the backbone of communities. Recently, local papers have highlighted this attack on public education in North Carolina.Read how communities will be affected below: