NC House passes $500 million Helene Relief Bill
House Bill 47 allocates $500 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina, bringing total relief funding from the General Assembly to more than $1.1 billion.
Key funding provisions include:
$140 million for rebuilding and repairing homes
$150 million to assist farmers and restore farmland
$100 million for repairing private roads and bridges
$55 million for small business infrastructure grants
$20 million to remove millions of cubic yards of debris
$10 million to support essential volunteer organizations
$10 million for volunteer fire departments
$10 million for rental assistance
$5 million for travel and tourism marketing
'Ensuring Western North Carolina recovers swiftly and responsibly remains our top priority in the House. For that reason, House Bill 47 is the first legislation voted on and approved this session,' Speaker Destin Hall said. 'I am proud of the work the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery, our Western NC delegation and others accomplished to pass this crucial legislation, and I'm encouraged by the overwhelming support it received today.'
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