In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has spearheaded efforts for recovery in western North Carolina. Over the past six months, the department initiated a new Division focused on addressing the fallout, developed a comprehensive $1.4 billion rebuilding plan, distributed over $91 million in disaster-related unemployment benefits, and secured a $10 million federal grant to aid local workforce boards. These actions align with Governor Josh Stein’s priority to restore the affected regions efficiently.
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the department’s commitment, stating, “It’s all hands on deck at Commerce to help our friends and neighbors impacted by Helene to recover as quickly as possible.” He mentioned that funds and technical support have been provided, but rapid implementation of the state’s housing recovery program is essential. Lilley also expressed gratitude for the state’s legislative support for recovery funds.
The state’s final Action Plan has been submitted to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development agency as part of the process to acquire federal funding under the $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. The plan targets unmet needs with a primary focus on housing and economic revival.
To oversee the federal grant, Governor Stein established the Division of Community Revitalization, led by Stephanie McGarrah. The division is building its capacity by hiring skilled professionals in critical areas. The division has also issued a Request for Proposals to seek a private-sector partner for implementing the grant effectively. Interested companies can submit proposals by April 14.
The Division of Employment Security (DES) has already distributed more than $91 million in unemployment benefits to those who lost work due to the hurricane. The division has processed 36,530 disaster-related claims, including handling a federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, which saw more claims than previous hurricanes combined.
The Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) has collaborated with local workforce boards to assist affected individuals by deploying work teams and providing direct services through the NCWorks Mobile Unit. An additional $10 million grant from the Department of Labor is also supporting job and training services in severely impacted areas.
Moreover, to bolster business recovery, the Rural Economic Development Division and Appalachian Regional Commission supported securing $3.5 million for the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund. The department’s Labor & Economic Analysis Division continues to assess and report on the storm’s economic impact.
Further details on the recovery initiatives are available at commerce.nc.gov/recovery.
