Raleigh, NC – Governor Josh Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1 into law yesterday, marking the first bill of his administration. He was joined by North Carolina General Assembly leaders, members of his Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, and agricultural leaders.
“This funding is a promising step forward in the long road to recovery for western North Carolina,” Stein said. “I want to thank the General Assembly for working together to pass this critical aid package to help our neighbors rebuilding after Helene. But we are nowhere near done—I will keep pushing to ensure western North Carolina is not forgotten.”
Speaker Destin Hall emphasized the importance of continued relief efforts, stating, “This legislation will bring much-needed relief to western North Carolina while finally bringing long-awaited relief to hurricane victims in the eastern part of our state. This is the fourth bill we’ve passed for Helene recovery—and it won’t be the last.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger echoed the sentiment, saying, “Since Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, the General Assembly has come together to address the real-time needs of our citizens. This bill will make a world of difference for the people of western North Carolina, and I’m proud to see it become law.”
The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1 includes $524 million in aid for western North Carolina. The bill allocates:
- $200 million for farmers experiencing crop losses due to Hurricane Helene
- $120 million for a CDBG-DR Home Reconstruction and Repair program
- $55 million for local government infrastructure grants to support small businesses
- $100 million for repairs to over 8,000 private roads and bridges damaged by the storm
- $20 million for debris cleanup
- $9 million for a school extension learning recovery program for students impacted by lost class time
Additionally, the bill extends the statewide emergency declaration for Hurricane Helene until June 30 and includes $217 million to assist with housing recovery efforts in eastern North Carolina.
With the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaching, the Stein administration remains focused on recovery and rebuilding efforts. Governor Stein recently visited Ferguson Farm in Haywood County and met with residents in Yancey County who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the storm. He continues to advocate for $19 billion in federal funding to restore infrastructure, support home repairs, and mitigate future disasters, along with an extension of FEMA’s 100% reimbursement.
