North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is urging Congress to approve an additional $13.5 billion in federal aid to help communities still struggling after Hurricane Helene, nearly nine months later. Speaking alongside local officials and Senator Kevin Corbin, Stein emphasized the state’s current funding — covering only 9% of the $60 billion in total damages — is far from enough.
Governor Stein outlined four priorities for the funding: rebuilding 74,000+ damaged homes, helping small businesses, restoring local government infrastructure, and repairing over 5,000 miles of roads, including stretches of I-40. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer also highlighted the ongoing impact on businesses along rivers like the French Broad and Swannanoa.
Governor Stein will travel to Washington, D.C., to press for action and bring total federal aid closer to 47% of the storm’s damage cost.
