The General Assembly is set to provide an additional $227 million to assist communities in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The third round of disaster relief funding was introduced this week and will increase the total state aid to over $1 billion in just over one month.
The latest legislation will transfer $227 million from the state’s Savings Reserve or “Rainy Day Fund” – which had accumulated $4.75 billion in savings for emergencies – to the Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Fund. The House passed the bill on Tuesday night in a controversial vote that also makes changes to the governor’s powers, and the Senate will take up the bill on Wednesday afternoon.
In the two previous October legislative sessions, legislation provided $644 million and $273 million for Hurricane Helene victims.
Though this week’s funding is allocated for disaster relief, critics note that the money will not immediately go to use. Rather, the money will remain unspent and will be allocated through subsequent legislative actions to address recovery needs.
“The funds shall remain unspent until appropriated by an act of the General Assembly,” the legislation reads. “It is the intent of the General Assembly to review funding and to consider actions needed to address remaining unmet needs.”
Inside the bill, $27 million is earmarked for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The agency will direct $25 million to the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program, focusing on debris removal from waterways to mitigate flooding risks and environmental hazards. An additional $2 million will support soil and water conservation districts in the affected areas.
To alleviate financial strain on local governments, the bill establishes a bridge loan program for emergency water and wastewater repairs capped at $100 million. The loans are interest-free and must be repaid within five years.
Aside from financial aid, the bill also provides flexibility for various industries on the road to recovery. Public schools in affected areas have been able to adjust instructional calendars, and the latest bill guarantees staff compensation for missed days from September through November 2024.
To expedite recovery, the legislation extends development-related permits—covering erosion control, water quality, and septic systems—until December 31, 2027, or 10 years from issuance. Additionally, temporary waivers for erosion and sediment control measures allow land-disturbing activities to proceed more rapidly, provided stabilization plans are submitted within 30 days.
In areas lacking permanent water and wastewater infrastructure, temporary systems and pump-and-haul services are authorized to address immediate public health and sanitation needs.
Also in the bill, the Department of Health and Human Services is permitted to temporarily waive regulations for local confinement facilities during a state of emergency issued by the governor, president, or secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Amid ongoing disaster relief efforts, Republicans are also electing leadership this week to run the caucus starting in 2025. The Senate announced on Wednesday the results of its internal elections, which place Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, as the Senate President Pro Tempore for another term.
“I’m thankful my colleagues have chosen me to lead the Senate for this upcoming biennium and look forward to continuing to make North Carolina a better state to live, work, and raise a family in,” Sen. Berger said in a press release. “The senators on our leadership team bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table. I want to thank them for stepping up and helping guide our caucus. This is a top-tier leadership team that is ready to get to work to move our state forward.”
Other members keeping their leadership positions include Majority Leader Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, Deputy President Pro Tempore Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, and Caucus Liaison Sen. Carl Ford (R-Rowan). However, the majority whip role is changing to two senators: Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, and Todd Johnson, R-Union.
On Tuesday, the House affirmed by acclimation Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, to lead the chamber as the Speaker of the House for the next biennium.
SEE ALSO: Rep. Destin Hall to be NC’s next Speaker of the House