Latest news with #HurricaneHelene
Washington Post
15 hours ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs. The Associated Press
Associated Press
17 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights. Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There's no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep meeting to reach budget agreements. Other legislation can be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein likely will be waiting. Chambers remain far apart on 2-year budget House and Senate Republicans are split on competing budget bills they approved in the spring. Teacher and state employee pay, the scope of tax cuts and vacant government position eliminations are among the disagreements. Each package would spend $32.6 billion in the upcoming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next. 'The massive details behind each of our budgets doesn't allow us quick and urgent resolution,' GOP Rep. Donny Lambeth, a chief budget writer, told colleagues Wednesday. The inability of budget writers to work out a stopgap spending measure that usually contains noncontroversial or critical spending provisions gave fodder to Democrats. 'The people of North Carolina should expect better of us,' Rep. Deb Butler said. 'We have one job and that's to pass a budget, and we haven't done that.' Any final budget goes to Stein, whose own budget proposal spent more and froze planned income tax cuts. With the GOP one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority, Republicans will seek a final budget that enough Democrats support to override. Next Helene spending installment finalized Before adjourning, House and Senate Republicans hammered out another tranche of state funds to assist with Helene recovery in the mountains. Not including federal aid, the General Assembly already has appropriated or allocated more than $1.6 billion in recovery funds since last September's historic storm. This latest allotment — approved unanimously and now heading to Stein — moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. There's also nearly $1 billion more allocated in federal water and sewer grants and state transportation money with a focus on Helene repairs. Stein had urged lawmakers this week to set aside their differences 'and get this relief out the door.' GOP focused on eliminating DEI programs Cutting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were a major priority for GOP lawmakers. State agencies, local governments, public K-12 schools and higher education institutions would be impacted if the bills become law. Training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI are banned in state agencies under one bill. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Two other bills would bar 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' across public education in the state. Republicans have repeatedly said DEI programs have strayed too far from their original goal and create unfair treatment. 'When it's done right, it opens a door for more students to compete fairly,' Sen. Michael Lee, the bill's sponsor, said in committee Tuesday. 'When it's done wrong, it prioritizes identity over ability.' But Democrats said the legislation will 'chill' state employees' speech and may reverse progress for students of color who weren't historically afforded certain opportunities. 'A multiethnic, diverse society has to learn how to grapple with things that can make you feel uncomfortable,' Rep. Brandon Lofton said on Wednesday. 'This bill puts an end to that.' Shrimp ban proposal gets loud It was shrimp that elicited a giant response from the public this week. A bill pushed by the state Senate would ban shrimp trawling — which uses a cone-shaped net to scoop up the crustaceans — inshore and within a half-mile (.8 kilometers) of coastal North Carolina shorelines. Proponents say shrimp trawling has negative environmental impacts, such as killing juvenile fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. But several coastal Republican legislators were outraged, saying the bill would completely devastate North Carolina's shrimping industry. About 75% of North Carolina shrimp are caught inshore, according to the North Carolina Local Food Council. Hundreds of shrimp industry members and their allies on Tuesday crowded inside and outside the Legislative Building to oppose the bill. A dozen semitrailers — draped with banners like 'NC Seafood for All. No Trawl Ban' — circled the building and blasted their horns for hours. Bill opponents cheered Wednesday outside a House Republican caucus meeting where members said they decided not to act on the bill. Many bills get over the finish line, head to the governor Legislators gave final approval this week to a host of bipartisan bills, such as a measure sought by the governor to require public school districts to pass policies barring students from having cellphones turned on during instructional time. There would be exceptions. Others were divisive, like a bill prohibiting state funds for gender-affirming care for prisoners and stating there are only two sexes. Another measure would allow private school boards to authorize a trained, permitted adult to carry a handgun on a school's campus for security. These measures now head to Stein's desk. The governor vetoed three GOP measures last week. No override attempts have yet occurred. Gary D. Robertson And Makiya Seminera, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights. Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There's no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep meeting to reach budget agreements. Other legislation can be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein likely will be waiting. House and Senate Republicans are split on competing budget bills they approved in the spring. Teacher and state employee pay, the scope of tax cuts and vacant government position eliminations are among the disagreements . Each package would spend $32.6 billion in the upcoming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next. 'The massive details behind each of our budgets doesn't allow us quick and urgent resolution,' GOP Rep. Donny Lambeth, a chief budget writer, told colleagues Wednesday. The inability of budget writers to work out a stopgap spending measure that usually contains noncontroversial or critical spending provisions gave fodder to Democrats. 'The people of North Carolina should expect better of us,' Rep. Deb Butler said. 'We have one job and that's to pass a budget, and we haven't done that.' Any final budget goes to Stein, whose own budget proposal spent more and froze planned income tax cuts. With the GOP one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority , Republicans will seek a final budget that enough Democrats support to override. Before adjourning, House and Senate Republicans hammered out another tranche of state funds to assist with Helene recovery in the mountains. Not including federal aid , the General Assembly already has appropriated or allocated more than $1.6 billion in recovery funds since last September's historic storm. This latest allotment — approved unanimously and now heading to Stein — moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. There's also nearly $1 billion more allocated in federal water and sewer grants and state transportation money with a focus on Helene repairs. Stein had urged lawmakers this week to set aside their differences 'and get this relief out the door.' Cutting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were a major priority for GOP lawmakers. State agencies, local governments, public K-12 schools and higher education institutions would be impacted if the bills become law. Training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI are banned in state agencies under one bill. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Two other bills would bar 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' across public education in the state. Republicans have repeatedly said DEI programs have strayed too far from their original goal and create unfair treatment. 'When it's done right, it opens a door for more students to compete fairly,' Sen. Michael Lee, the bill's sponsor, said in committee Tuesday. 'When it's done wrong, it prioritizes identity over ability.' But Democrats said the legislation will 'chill' state employees' speech and may reverse progress for students of color who weren't historically afforded certain opportunities. 'A multiethnic, diverse society has to learn how to grapple with things that can make you feel uncomfortable,' Rep. Brandon Lofton said on Wednesday. 'This bill puts an end to that.' It was shrimp that elicited a giant response from the public this week. A bill pushed by the state Senate would ban shrimp trawling — which uses a cone-shaped net to scoop up the crustaceans — inshore and within a half-mile (.8 kilometers) of coastal North Carolina shorelines. Proponents say shrimp trawling has negative environmental impacts, such as killing juvenile fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. But several coastal Republican legislators were outraged, saying the bill would completely devastate North Carolina's shrimping industry. About 75% of North Carolina shrimp are caught inshore, according to the North Carolina Local Food Council. Hundreds of shrimp industry members and their allies on Tuesday crowded inside and outside the Legislative Building to oppose the bill. A dozen semitrailers — draped with banners like 'NC Seafood for All. No Trawl Ban' — circled the building and blasted their horns for hours. Bill opponents cheered Wednesday outside a House Republican caucus meeting where members said they decided not to act on the bill. Legislators gave final approval this week to a host of bipartisan bills, such as a measure sought by the governor to require public school districts to pass policies barring students from having cellphones turned on during instructional time. There would be exceptions. Others were divisive, like a bill prohibiting state funds for gender-affirming care for prisoners and stating there are only two sexes. Another measure would allow private school boards to authorize a trained, permitted adult to carry a handgun on a school's campus for security. These measures now head to Stein's desk. The governor vetoed three GOP measures last week. No override attempts have yet occurred.
