RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina lawmakers introduced a bill on Wednesday allocating over $450 million in additional funding for recovery efforts following the devastating impact that Hurricane Helene left on the western part of the state in September.

The N.C. House of Representatives submitted a fifth round of funding for Helene-affected areas in a bill called the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II, which is dedicated to supporting ongoing efforts for critical infrastructure, building repairs, as well as relief for small businesses.

Notable funding provisions in the bill include the following:

• $70 million in additional state funds to match critical federal recovery programs.
• $60 million in Small Business Disaster Grants, up to $100k per small business, with eligibility based on a 20% loss threshold.
• $50 million for local governments to fulfill unmet and unreimbursed capital needs.
• $30 million in additional funds to support reconstruction of private roads and bridges.
• $30 million for agricultural and general debris removal.
• $25 million to support reconstruction of destroyed schools.
• $25 million to improve airport infrastructure in WNC to expand emergency response capacity and repair Helene damage.
• $25 million toward rebuilding damaged and destroyed farm infrastructure such as fences, barns, greenhouses, and farm roads.
• $20 million for flood mitigation grants to rebuild at-risk infrastructure.
• $20 million to support our volunteer organizations directly supporting recovery efforts.
• $18 million to provide $50,000 grants to fire stations and EMS units across WNC.
• $15 million in firefighting equipment and contract personnel to the NC Forest Service to enhance wildfire preparedness.
• $8 million for damaged schools.

PREVIOUSLY: Governor Josh Stein announces $890 million budget proposal for western NC relief efforts

State lawmakers said this legislation is the culmination of several months of work by the western N.C. House delegation. If enacted, this measure would bring the total of allocated Helene relief funding to $1.85 billion.

Governor Josh Stein announced his second budget proposal related to the state’s rebuilding efforts earlier this week, seeking more than $891 million.

“Western North Carolina is coming back strong, but there is much more work to do,” Stein said on Monday. “I urge the General Assembly to pass a second round of funding so that the rebuilding and recovery efforts can continue as quickly and effectively as possible.”