Western NC Seeks Increased Support as General Assembly Reconvenes

Following Hurricane Helene’s destruction in western North Carolina, local legislators and community members plead for additional financial aid from the state.

Since its opening in 2022, Taylor Breeden’s cafe, an alcohol-free hub in Asheville’s River Arts District, has served as a community gathering place. Unfortunately, Helene’s impact forced The Pot Stirred cafe to close. Breeden hopes to reopen and is exploring options for relocation due to the area’s flood risk.

“It’s going to be years before the River Arts District recovers,” Breeden disclosed. “I personally don’t want to rebuild somewhere that the river’s going to just knock me out again.”

To reopen, small businesses like Breeden’s need more state support. Breeden notes this assistance is critical not just for businesses, but the entire community. “We need the money now” to support the heart of Asheville – the independent artists and small business owners, she emphasized.

Residents, like Breeden, are urging the General Assembly to increase financial support for areas struggling to recover from Helene.

Despite two aid packages totaling $877 million, it falls short of Governor Roy Cooper’s proposed $3.9 billion in state funds.

The state can’t cover the full estimated $53 billion recovery cost. However, local Democratic lawmakers are urging swift state action to support the region where businesses need to reopen to help the unemployed.

Small Businesses Require Support

Helene’s destruction to 39 counties in western North Carolina, representing 45% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), has impacted the state’s economy. According to FEMA, 25% of businesses impacted by a natural disaster do not reopen, making additional state support crucial.

The Governor’s proposal includes $475 million in recovery grants for regional businesses. However, State Representative Mark Pless is skeptical about the support for this proposal.

“The governor’s pushing to do a lot for these small businesses. I understand his passion. But I don’t believe we should step in under every circumstance,” Pless mentioned.

Contrarily, Representative Eric Ager emphasized the importance of providing grants to business owners, especially given the loss of revenue from the lucrative fall tourism season due to Helene.

Fall tourism has always been a significant component of the region’s economy. Mountain Xpress reports that in Q4 of 2023 alone, tourism generated $2.1 billion across western NC. Post-Helene, Buncombe County’s tax revenue was down 45% in October compared to the previous year.

Rental Assistance Necessary for Home Security

Governor Cooper’s proposal also includes $25 million for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. Ager emphasizes the importance of this assistance in helping people stay in their homes.

By mid-October, roughly three weeks after Helene struck North Carolina, 19,200 jobless claims had been filed statewide. Cooper increased the cap for unemployment benefits to $600 per week and extended benefits until March 25, 2025, beyond the standard 12-week limit.

Immediate Assistance Needed

Despite President Joe Biden’s request for Congress to provide a combined $100 billion for recovery from both Helene and Hurricane Milton, local lawmakers urge the state to take immediate action to support western NC.

Breeden asserted that if the state fails to act promptly, businesses like hers may not survive. She concluded, “We need it now. I’m sorry that it’s going to cost them… but it’s the state at hand, and we’ve got to address it, and it’s got to happen now.”