RALEIGH, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper has officially signed the first Helene Relief Bill into law, marking a critical step in North Carolina’s recovery efforts following the historic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. On Thursday, the governor’s office announced that Cooper signed House Bill 149, which was unanimously approved by the North Carolina State Senate and House of Representatives. This new legislation focuses on providing immediate aid to the hardest-hit regions in western North Carolina.
Helene Relief Bill Focuses on Immediate Recovery
The Helene Relief Bill earmarks $273 million for disaster relief efforts, prioritising urgent needs. The package includes:
- $250 million allocated to state agencies and local governments for federal disaster aid.
- $16 million dedicated to compensate schools for lost nutrition program funding.
- $50 million for water and sewer infrastructure reserves.
- $2 million for technical support in obtaining FEMA grants.
- $5 million for voter outreach in impacted areas.
The legislation also includes provisions for small business loans through Golden Leaf, streamlined return of absentee ballots across counties, and waived DMV fees for those affected. Additionally, environmental restrictions related to burning, wastewater treatment, and road construction have been relaxed to speed up rebuilding efforts.
State Leaders Emphasize Commitment to Long-Term Recovery
During a press conference, House Speaker Tim Moore highlighted the importance of this bill for western North Carolina’s recovery. “I’m proud of today’s bipartisan vote on the ‘Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.’ This bill ensures immediate financial aid and resources to help families rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities,” Moore stated. He emphasized that this is only the beginning, with plans to provide further support in upcoming sessions.
State Senator Phil Berger addressed adjustments to election processes for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, noting, “The hurricane has dealt a serious blow to the ability to vote in the impacted counties.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all North Carolinians can participate in the democratic process despite the challenges posed by the disaster.
A Unified Effort for Western North Carolina
Governor Cooper stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between state and federal agencies to rebuild communities affected by the hurricane. “Recovery for Western North Carolina will require unprecedented help, and this legislation is a strong first step. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage, but it also showed the resiliency of North Carolina’s people,” Cooper remarked.
State lawmakers plan to reconvene on October 24 to discuss additional measures as part of the ongoing response to the disaster. The Helene Relief Bill is a crucial step in providing immediate support to those affected, with a commitment to long-term recovery in the coming months.
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