Press Releases

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has been awarded a $105 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Program (CRISI).

Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order focused on easing requirements and fee collections for North Carolinians related to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, the DMV will suspend the collection of various application and late fees, suspend certain requirements for both residents and businesses, and extend certain licenses for mechanics and businesses.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited the North Carolina State Fair. The Governor donated cans as part of Canned Food Day before visiting a booth operated by Bright Branch Farms, a farm in Henderson County impacted by Hurricane Helene and spoke with crafters and artisans from Western North Carolina.

Less than a month after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper today shared a state budget recommendation to help rebuild stronger to withstand future storms. Governor Cooper recommends an initial $3.9 billion package to begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools, and farms damaged during the storm.

As relief efforts continue in Western North Carolina, Governor Cooper is encouraging Western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to enroll in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) this week by the Thursday deadline.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the release of the Governor's Environmental Justice Advisory Council report, representing a significant step towards addressing Environmental Justice (EJ) concerns in North Carolina. This comprehensive report comes as a result of the reestablishment of the Secretary of Environmental Quality's Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board in October 2023 by Governor Cooper's Executive Order No. 292.

After Hurricane Helene, North Carolina continues leading a robust response and recovery with the support of federal, local, and non-profit partners.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Buncombe County with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and visited a Community Care Station to speak with volunteers and give an update on relief efforts in Western North Carolina. The Community Care Station offers food and water distribution, basic hygiene services and medical care to the community.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper’s requests for a federal Major Disaster Declaration as a result of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight were granted.This Major Disaster Declaration means Public Assistance funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities in Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover and Onslow counties will be available from FEMA.

Recovery and relief efforts continue in Western North Carolina as local, state and federal partners work together to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.“In the aftermath of this storm, we are using every local, state and federal resource available to help western North Carolina,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “As we look forward, this support from all levels of government is crucial to rebuilding in a more effective, efficient and resilient way.”