Hurricane Helene has left an unprecedented mark on North Carolina, with a staggering $53 billion in estimated damages and recovery needs, according to the state budget office’s preliminary report. The destruction, affecting western parts of the state, has made Helene the most catastrophic storm in North Carolina’s history, surpassing the previous record of $17 billion from Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Governor Roy Cooper described Helene as “the deadliest and most damaging storm ever to hit North Carolina” while requesting $3.9 billion from the General Assembly for critical repairs and revitalization efforts. Calling it a “down payment on western North Carolina’s future,” Cooper highlighted the widespread impact: 96 lives lost, over 1,400 landslides, 6,000 miles of roads damaged, and 126,000 homes affected.
The hurricane’s impact has also been felt at the community level, with damaged water and sewer systems, more than 1,000 bridges and culverts needing repairs, and over 220,000 households expected to apply for federal assistance. Cooper’s plan includes targeted financial relief and investment in infrastructure to mitigate future damage, including a $475 million two-phase recovery program aimed at businesses in the hardest-hit areas and $325 million for homeowners and renters needing immediate repairs.
Financial Challenges and Legislative Response
Lawmakers have already approved a $273 million recovery package to provide immediate aid and increased flexibility for state agencies, residents, and elections in 25 affected counties. A further legislative session is expected to address Cooper’s full $3.9 billion request, although passing the entire package is considered unlikely. The Republican-controlled legislature will reconvene on November 19 to further discuss the request.
The financial gap between what is needed and available aid remains a significant hurdle. Despite an estimated $13.6 billion expected from federal sources and $6.3 billion from private and other sources, most damages will not be fully recovered. The lack of flood or crop insurance coverage in the affected regions compounds the difficulty, as roughly 93% of the homes damaged lacked flood insurance.
Helping Communities and Businesses Rebuild
Governor Cooper’s request includes additional funds to help various communities recover and rebuild. Highlights include $289 million in matching funds to access federal money for utilities and debris removal, $225 million for grants to farmers for uninsured losses, and $100 million for public schools and community colleges. A substantial $175 million has also been earmarked to complete remaining home repairs from earlier hurricanes—Florence in 2018 and Matthew in 2016—to address ongoing issues like rising construction costs, labor shortages, and funding shortfalls.
For businesses, the focus is on helping those in the hardest-hit areas stay afloat during the long recovery process. Cooper’s two-phase business recovery program will provide grants ranging from $1,500 to $75,000 depending on the severity of impact. This initiative aims to support economic revitalization, particularly in western counties where businesses are struggling to rebuild.
A Long Road Ahead
As North Carolina deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, state leaders acknowledge the long road to full recovery. While immediate steps are being taken to provide financial support and begin rebuilding, the journey will require sustained efforts from state and federal governments, private insurers, and the communities themselves.
The recent criticism from Senate Republicans regarding delays in earlier recovery efforts and the $175 million additional request highlights the complexity of managing such a large-scale disaster. Despite political disagreements, state leaders will need to collaborate to ensure that the communities affected by Helene can rebuild stronger and be more resilient to future storms.
With 39 counties now designated as part of the federal disaster area, it’s clear that recovery will be a significant challenge. However, Cooper’s call for immediate funding is intended to kick-start efforts, ensuring that families and businesses receive timely assistance to rebuild their lives after this devastating storm.