Stein Asks Congress, Trump Administration for $13.5 Billion in Additional Helene Aid

By Galen Bacharier

Gov. Josh Stein is asking Congress and the Trump administration to send an additional $13.5 billion to North Carolina, his latest ask for federal aid as recovery from Hurricane Helene continues one year later.

Included in that request is $8 billion in additional grants to rebuild homes and businesses, $2 billion in community loans from FEMA, $2 billion to repair roads and bridges and $400 million for forgivable loans to small businesses.

“The next stage in recovery is going to require a new commitment from Congress and from the administration,” Stein said during a news conference outlining the request in Flat Rock. “Western North Carolina has not received anywhere near what it needs, nor our fair share.”

The governor’s latest request comes while the federal government lags in paying for recovery compared to previous disasters. Federal funding thus far accounts for about 9% of total damage caused by Helene, Stein said Monday.

Typically, states receiving federal aid from major storms receive in the range of 40-50% of total damage, he said. States similarly impacted by major hurricanes like Katrina, Maria and Sandy saw around 70%.

Stein has previously said that the administration and Congress have “not met the moment” as North Carolina works to recover from the storm.

An already-slow of trickle of funds from Washington has slowed even further due to new regulations on spending. All expenditures more than $100,000 must now be approved by FEMA, Homeland Security secretary Kristin Noem and a committee that is part of the White House’s DOGE efforts.

“It’s taking way too long,” Stein said.

In total, Stein’s request for Congress and the White House encompasses $22.8 billion. That includes billions that have already been appropriated but require action by federal agencies.

Delays in funding have frustrated even North Carolina’s U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, a close ally of President Trump. He voted against advancing a DHS nominee in what was described as a warning shot to Noem, who must personally sign off on funding decisions.

“I’m trying to get the attention of those at DHS that are being slow to reimburse North Carolina for funds already spent,” Budd told the Raleigh News & Observer last week.

Still, the state has received several key pools of money in recent weeks.

A backlog of more than $160 million in public assistance money from FEMA was recently released. The EPA has sent $746 million to fund drinking water and sewer system repairs. And a new pool of $221 million from USDA will cover agricultural losses.

Trump has also separately approved a disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Chantal earlier this summer, allowing the state to access additional resources and aid.

Stein will travel to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to meet with lawmakers about his request for funding.

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