Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina announced the approval of the state’s Action Plan by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This plan pertains to a $1.4 billion grant aimed at helping western North Carolina recover after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In a comparison of states over the past decade, North Carolina’s submission of the Helene Action Plan was notably swift following a major hurricane.
Governor Stein expressed his gratitude stating, “This is great news for western North Carolina. I thank the Trump Administration for moving quickly to approve this plan so we can get busy rebuilding people’s homes.”
The prompt approval of the Action Plan is a crucial step for North Carolina to receive the federal Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds first announced in January. Following HUD’s certification of the state’s financial controls, North Carolina will be able to sign the grant agreement. This will allow for a concentration on housing and economic revitalization in the region.
Stephanie McGarrah, the Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary, acknowledged the efforts that went into developing the plan: “We’ve learned so much from the many people and organizations that have taken time to offer their suggestions, and I’m grateful for everyone’s participation so far. We know the road to full recovery will be a long journey, but the Department of Commerce and my team are ready to get to work.”
The CDBG-DR grants are dedicated to long-term rebuilding, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization. They act as ‘last resort’ funds, to be utilized after other sources, such as private insurance, have been exhausted. The Helene Action Plan allocates a majority of the funds towards housing recovery specifically for low- and moderate-income residents, with the remainder directed towards infrastructure and economic development.
Further information regarding the approved Action Plan and the role of NC Commerce’s new Division of Community Revitalization in the recovery can be accessed through official channels.
