Biden, Congress Meet with WNC Leaders on Hurricane Helene Funds
TL/DR –
North Carolina officials, led by Governor Roy Cooper, met with President Joe Biden and the state’s congressional delegation to request federal support for recovery from Hurricane Helene, a storm that caused around $53 billion in damage and resulted in 103 confirmed deaths. Biden is proposing $98.6 billion in aid for recovery from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton; the proposal includes $40 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, $24 billion for agriculture, $12 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and $4 billion for the EPA. Officials are hopeful for the funding and have assured the transition from Biden to President-elect Donald Trump will not hinder recovery support and efforts.
North Carolina officials seek federal support for Hurricane Helene recovery
Governor Roy Cooper spearheaded a delegation to meet with President Joe Biden last week, advocating for federal recovery funding after Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina.
The hour-long meeting included notable figures such as Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. The group also met with North Carolina’s Republican senators, Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, and GOP Congressman Chuck Edwards.
Smathers praised the bipartisan support, highlighting the urgency of the region’s recovery needs.
Biden’s proposed aid for the region
Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms in North Carolina’s history, resulted in 103 confirmed deaths and an estimated financial impact of around $53 billion. With such a high recovery cost, Cooper has requested $25 billion from Congress to aid recovery efforts.
In a letter, Biden requested a total of $98.6 billion in aid for Helene and Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. His proposal includes substantial funding for various sectors, including FEMA, agriculture, housing, and the EPA.
Asheville’s water system, severely damaged by Helene, took 53 days to reestablish clean drinking water.
Transition from Biden to Trump
With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, Biden assured the North Carolina delegation that the change in administration will not disrupt recovery support and efforts. Smathers is optimistic about long-term support for the region and plans to engage with Trump’s transition team soon.
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