TL/DR –
Western North Carolina is still waiting for Congress to provide federal aid nearly three months after Hurricane Helene, with the potential government shutdown forecasted to further delay critical funds. The cost for North Carolina’s recovery is estimated to be around $60 billion, with a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) bill that included $100 billion in aid poised to pass before the government shutdown. However, President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk voiced opposition to the CR, putting the required funding at risk, with Musk suggesting that no bills should be passed until Trump is sworn in.
Western North Carolina, already waiting for federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery for the past 84 days, faces an uncertain future if the projected government shutdown happens on Friday night. With the region’s recovery estimated to cost around $60 billion, the delay in federal aid could significantly hinder the recovery process.
Earlier, there was potential relief with a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) bill that included $100 billion for disaster relief, offering over $9 billion to North Carolina. However, President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk opposed the CR, putting the necessary funding at risk. Musk even suggested that no bills should pass until Trump is inaugurated on January 20.
A delay in aid could be catastrophic for the region, according to local leaders. Fletcher Mayor Preston Blakely described it as a failure to Western North Carolina, while Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers referred to it as “devastating and disrespectful”. Boone Mayor Pro-Tem Dalton George urged Trump and Musk to use their influence to appeal for a clean bill that provides necessary aid to the western North Carolina and other communities.
Furthermore, local lawmakers expressed growing frustration at Congress for their inaction, with Musk’s post on social media opposing the bill gaining support from Republican Congressman Dan Bishop. The delay in aid and the potential government shutdown threatens Western North Carolina’s tourism industry, a key aspect of the region’s economy. Buncombe County’s tourism industry stands to lose an estimated 70% in Q4, a loss of $584 million.
The impact of Hurricane Helene could be debilitating for small businesses throughout Western North Carolina, with many struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses failing to survive would also impact the region’s cultural character. It’s not just businesses; the agriculture industry also faces heavy losses if the funding package of $100 billion isn’t passed, as it was set to provide tens of billions of dollars to farmers nationwide.
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