Newland, NC — On Friday, Governor Josh Stein issued a statement following the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny North Carolina’s request for an extension of the 100 percent federal reimbursement for disaster recovery related to Tropical Storm Helene.
The request, if granted, would have extended full federal funding for an additional 180 days. Governor Stein expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing the ongoing needs in western North Carolina, where communities continue to recover from the storm’s impact.
“I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm,” said Stein. “The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored.”
Stein urged the President to reconsider the decision, even if only for a 90-day extension. He noted that six months after the storm, many residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives and require continued support to complete recovery efforts.
Recovery operations in affected areas are ongoing, with state and local officials working to secure additional assistance and prioritize critical infrastructure repairs.
