North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein is requesting nearly $13.5 billion in new federal funding to help the region rebuild homes, small businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Stein made the announcement Tuesday alongside members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery, including co-chairs Senator Kevin Corbin and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. On Wednesday, the governor plans to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials about the importance of the funding.
“Western North Carolinians are counting on the federal government for help to rebuild homes, support small businesses, and repair roads,” Stein said. “I call on Congress to deliver for western North Carolina its fair share and appropriate an additional $13.5 billion in funding for Helene recovery.”
The proposal includes $8 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding to restore homes and businesses, nearly $2 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Special Community Disaster Loans to support local government services, and $2 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation for roads and infrastructure, including temporary repairs along I-40.
“The damage caused by Helene was immense, and western North Carolina needs federal funds to fully rebuild,” Corbin said. “I urge Congress to pass the state’s request so we can get more resources to communities out west.”
Manheimer echoed the call, stressing the urgency during hurricane season. “Western North Carolina needs these funds…Congress must pass Governor Stein’s request so that the Hurricane Helene recovery process can continue,” she said.
Stein is also asking federal agencies to release previously appropriated funding from the American Relief Act of 2025. Combined with the new request, the total federal support sought would reach $23 billion.
Current federal assistance covers roughly nine per cent of Helene’s total damage, far below the 70 per cent recovery support seen for storms such as Katrina, Maria, and Sandy. Stein’s proposal would bring North Carolina’s federal support to nearly 47 per cent.