Topics Related to Hurricane Helene
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced he is requesting $19 billion in federal funds for Helene recovery and rebuilding. The Governor met with Senators Tillis and Budd Thursday to advocate for critical investments in western North Carolina’s recovery. Read Governor Stein’s full statement below:
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.
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 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.
Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding President Trump’s visit to western North Carolina: “It’s a positive signal that President Trump made his first visit outside the capital as President to our mountains. I thanked the President for coming and asked for his support of $20 billion in additional disaster relief and for 100% reimbursement of eligible FEMA expenses for another six months.
Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding FEMA’s decision to extend its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for two months, through May 26, 2025:
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.
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.
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.