North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner’s office announced this week they have now distributed nearly $150 million to Western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The $150 million is allocated as interest-free loans meant to keep local governments waiting for federal funds to be sent. The money being used was appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in two bills signed into law earlier this year: House Bill 47, Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part I and House Bill 1012, Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part II.
The total allocated by the NCGA so far for Hurricane Helene relief is up to $2.1 billion total. Some of the other appropriations from the two bills passed this session include:
- $140 million for rebuilding and repairing homes
- $150 million to assist farmers and restore farmland
- $100 million for repairing private roads and bridges
- $55 million for small business infrastructure grants
- $20 million to remove millions of cubic yards of debris
- $10 million to support essential volunteer organizations
- $10 million for volunteer fire departments
- $10 million for rental assistance
- $5 million for travel and tourism marketing
- $270 million allocated from DOT budget specifically toward Helene WNC repairs
- $70 million to continue pulling down critical federal disaster recovery funding
- $75 million towards construction and reimbursement of privately owned roads and bridges
- $65 million towards repair and reconstruction of damaged schools
- $50 million in additional no-interest loans for impacted units of local government
- $70 million in funding for local government capital repairs
- $25 million to upgrade and enhance regional airports to support disaster responses
- $18 million to invest in fire stations across WNC to prepare for a high-risk fire season
- $18 million in additional funding to support our frontline volunteer organizations
- $16 million in infrastructure investments to support redevelopment in Canton, NC
- $12.25 million to repair damaged state park facilities and expedite reopening
- $10 million to support impacted public and private colleges and universities in the region
- $8 million to support apple growers in Western NC
Thanks to conservative, forward thinking leaders at the legislature North Carolina has a strong “Rainy Day Fund” that can help address the pressing need for immediate funding in the wake of natural disasters.
