On Thursday, Gov. Roy Cooper signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 (HB 149) into law. The state legislature unanimously passed this law on Wednesday, allocating $273 million from the Savings Reserve for disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Helene and Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 (PTC8).
Today, Gov. Cooper signed a bipartisan bill allocating further funding for the recovery process from Helene. This storm caused catastrophic damage but also showed the resiliency of NC’s people and communities. We must continue the bipartisan work to help them build back strong. pic.twitter.com/bpYlGzndb8
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) October 10, 2024
HB 149 is the first round of disaster relief funding passed by the General Assembly.
“These are all common-sense steps we can take to ensure that western North Carolinians in the affected counties can vote no matter where they are in the state of North Carolina,” said Senate Leader Phil Berger in a press conference on Wednesday.
The majority of the $273 million is going to the Department of Public Safety, with $250 million going to federal disaster assistance programs and managing cash flow while awaiting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements.
Additionally, $16 million is going to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and $5 million to the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) for election modifications in affected counties.
“As tragic as this has been, I’ve been moved by the efforts from everyday citizens to step up and lend their neighbor a helping hand,” said Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon, in a press release.
“We face every challenge imaginable, but that hasn’t stopped the people of Western North Carolina from rising to the occasion and putting others before themselves. Now, it’s time for us to return that favor and get this first round of relief passed.”
The bill also extends the statewide emergency declaration through March 1, 2025, and establishes two new funds: the Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Fund and the PTC8 Disaster Recovery Fund.
“There are thousands of businesses in this region that have been severely damaged or destroyed. They’re struggling to figure out whether they will ever be able to rebuild and reopen,” said Sen. Warren Daniel, R-Burke, in a press release. “Local residents and the state economy depend heavily on the businesses in western North Carolina, especially small businesses. It’s the General Assembly’s duty to provide them help during their darkest hour, and we are intent on doing just that.”
The bill also allows election modifications in affected counties, including flexibility in appointing election judges and poll workers. It also gives significant power to county election boards to make changes so long as a bipartisan majority vote approves them.
The General Assembly also amended SJR 919, the adjournment resolution, to allow them to reconvene on October 24, when they are expected to pass a second round of disaster relief funding.
“I’m proud of today’s bipartisan vote on the ‘Disaster Recovery Act of 2024’ legislation to provide much-needed relief to the victims of recent hurricanes. This bill ensures immediate financial aid and resources to help families rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities,” said House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, in a press release. “This legislation is merely a first step, and we intend to do even more for Western North Carolina in the near future. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we remain committed to helping western NC rebuild.”