Old North News

Today, Governor Josh Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1 into law. This marks his first bill signing as governor. The signing event was attended by North Carolina General Assembly leaders, members of the 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. I want to thank the General Assembly for working together to pass this critical aid package to help our neighbors rebuilding after Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “But we are nowhere near done -- I will keep pushing to ensure western North Carolina is not forgotten.”

“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,” stated Speaker Destin Hall. “This is the fourth bill we’ve passed for Helene recovery-and it won’t be the last.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger added, “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. I look forward to continuing our efforts to support western North Carolina as it recovers and rebuilds.”

The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1 allocates $524 million in aid for western North Carolina. It includes $200 million for farmers affected by crop losses due to Hurricane Helene, $120 million for a home reconstruction and repair program, and $55 million for local government infrastructure grants aimed at supporting small businesses. Additionally, there is $100 million designated for repairing over 8,000 private roads and bridges damaged by the storm and $20 million allocated for debris cleanup. The bill also provides $9 million towards a school extension learning recovery program designed to assist students who lost weeks of class time following Helene's impact.

In addition to addressing needs in western regions, the bill allocates $217 million towards helping residents return home in eastern North Carolina.

Governor Stein continues advocating for federal funds totaling $19 billion intended for infrastructure restoration, home repairs, renovations, and reducing future natural disaster impacts alongside an extension request on FEMA’s full reimbursement policy.