North Carolina governor proposes $3.9 billion for disaster recovery

RALEIGH, N.C. (WBTV) - Almost a month after Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper and State Budget Director Kristen Walker outlined suggested funding for the disaster recovery Wednesday afternoon.

Cooper is recommending an initial $3.9 billion to start rebuilding infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools and farms damaged by Hurricane Helene.

[D-SNAP benefits available for residents in North Carolina impacted by Helene: What to know]

The storm hit the Carolinas on Sept. 27, killing at least 96 people and leaving countless others missing. More than 1 million customers without power and about 1,300 roads closed – not to mention the number of people who lost water for weeks.

[North Carolina roads continue to reopen weeks after Hurricane Helene’s damage]

Initial damage estimates, Cooper said, are about $53 billion -- three times as much as Hurricane Florence in 2018, making that estimate the largest in state history.

“Helene is the deadliest and most damaging storm ever to hit North Carolina,“ said Governor Cooper during the press conference on Oct. 23. “This storm left a trail of destruction in our beautiful mountains that we will not soon forget, but I know the people of Western North Carolina are determined to build back better than ever. These initial funds are a good start, but the staggering amount of damage shows we are very much on the front end of this recovery effort.”

Here’s how the $3.9 billion breaks down:

• $650 million: Economic losses and damage for non-agricultural businesses and non-profits, including a revival of the Covid-era Business Recover Grant program
• $650 million: Damage to residential structures and housing assistance to jumpstart permanent housing construction ahead of potential federal funding
• $578 million: Physical damage and cleanup of energy, water, waste clean-up, dams, telecommunications, and other infrastructure
• $422 million: Damage and business disruption of agricultural enterprises
• $420: Recovery is still underway for Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, Tropical Storm Debby, and funds to wrap up homeowner assistance for hurricanes Florence and Matthew
• $55 million: Damage and state revenue implications of transportation infrastructure damages

For the full recommendation, click here.