North Carolina lawmakers have approved a $273 million relief package to address the urgent needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene. The package will be used for rebuilding communities, supporting small businesses, and providing water and transportation support. Additionally, the bill includes changes to election procedures to ensure voter participation in the upcoming election.
Republican House Speaker Tim Moore expressed his pride in the bipartisan vote on the “Disaster Recovery Act of 2024,” stating that it will provide immediate financial aid and resources for families to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities. He emphasized that this legislation is just the first step and further action is planned.
The legislation received unanimous approval in both the House and Senate as the confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene reached 237 in the United States. Lawmakers acknowledge that rebuilding efforts will take years and plan to meet later in October before their regular mid-November hearings.
The bill allocates $250 million to state agencies and local governments for disaster relief. Additional funding goes towards school nutrition programs, technical assistance, water-sewer reserves, as well as voter outreach communication in affected counties through $5 million allocated for the State Board of Elections.
Modifications have been made to state election laws for the 2024 general election. These include allowing voters to request an absentee ballot in person until one day before the election and providing more options for dropping off absentee ballots.
Other provisions of the bill include loosening permit restrictions on burning laws to facilitate clean-up operations and waiving permitting requirements associated with highway repair.
Republican Sen. Paul Newton highlighted that this legislation was written with bipartisan support due to witnessing extensive devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is expected to sign this bill into law soon.
Governor Cooper described Hurricane Helene as a powerful reminder of nature’s might but also praised how it revealed “the unbreakable spirit” of North Carolina’s people who came together during adversity.