North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has officially requested $13.5 billion in federal disaster aid to assist with recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, which significantly impacted the state nearly a year ago. During a news conference held at Blue Ridge Community College on Monday, Stein emphasized the urgent need for funding alongside local leaders, including Senator Kevin Corbin and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.
The governor pointed out that almost nine months have passed since Congress last allocated funds for recovery, stating, “Just like folks in the Gulf states, the mid-Atlantic and Puerto Rico, the people of western North Carolina deserve federal support after a major hurricane, and the time to act is now.” He highlighted the pressing needs of communities affected by the disaster, which include rebuilding homes, supporting small businesses, and repairing vital infrastructure.
The proposed federal funds would primarily focus on restoring homes and businesses, enhancing local government services, and rebuilding roads and bridges. According to the governor’s office, the funding breakdown includes $8 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery, nearly $2 billion in special community disaster loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and an additional $2 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation for critical infrastructure improvements.
Stein’s comprehensive request, which encompasses the newly requested $13.5 billion and previously allocated funds from the American Relief Act of 2025, totals approximately $23 billion. This latest appeal follows an earlier request for $11.5 billion in supplemental disaster funding aimed at rebuilding housing, infrastructure, and farmland impacted by the hurricane.
The announcement drew attention from the White House, with a spokesperson defending President Trump‘s commitment to North Carolina’s recovery efforts. The spokesperson remarked, “President Trump cares deeply about the people of North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Helene, and Governor Stein’s request is evidence that he is unfit to run a state.”
Local leaders have expressed frustration regarding delays in federal funding, highlighting that recovery projects are currently stalled. Mayor Manheimer pointed to an outstanding $11 million reimbursement for an emergency water filtration system installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an example of these bottlenecks.
On September 9, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the disbursement of $12 million in FEMA grants to assist North Carolina communities with disaster recovery. Shortly thereafter, on September 11, President Trump announced an additional $32 million in recovery assistance, although these funds were primarily linked to flooding events in July, likely related to Hurricane Chantal.
In a conversation with President Trump on September 11, Stein reported that the President expressed his support for both Chantal and Helene recovery efforts, affirming, “It’s all hands on deck, and I thank him for helping North Carolina rebuild.”
As the hurricane season continues, the urgency for federal assistance remains high, and local leaders hope that Congress will act swiftly to meet the needs of western North Carolina.
