North Carolina Construction News staff writer
More than $1.07 billion in immediate funding has been requested to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina to repair infrastructure, support farmers, fix private roads and bridges and remove debris.
“The people of western North Carolina have suffered tremendously since Helene swept through,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. “I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it’s time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild. We can’t forget western North Carolina – and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the state shows up for them.”
An overview of some of the programs:
- $150 million across two grant programs for businesses that suffered physical damage or significant economic loss.
- $30 million for grants to small towns and counties to rebuild downtowns and other business districts.
- $150 million for a Helene Home Construction and Repair Program to immediately start rebuilding the estimated 5,100 homes that will need to be rebuilt post-Helene.
- $50 million in incentives for affordable housing construction.
- $25 million to fill in gaps for home repairs that are not covered by FEMA.
- $75 million to repair private roads and bridges.
- $25 million to clean up local parks and greenways in affected areas.
- $12 million to expedite debris removal.
- $4 million to repair septic systems.
- $15 million for grants to farmers for verified uninsured losses to crops, livestock, aquaculture, and infrastructure.
- $100 million to help farmers clear debris and repair their land and waterways so they can resume production and protect against future flooding.
- $19.4 million to prepare for the wildfire season and mitigate future risk.