Senate leaders introduced their $533 million plan for the next relief package, more than what the House requested.
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State Senate leaders introduced their amendments to the next round of Hurricane Helene relief Tuesday. They’re requesting nearly $533 million, $33 million more than what the other chamber requested in House Bill 47.
The Senate’s proposed amendments restore the original request for $140 million for housing reconstruction. The biggest brand new item is $4.5 million to a school extension learning recovery program
“I believe my sons have been to school 29 days since the storm has hit over five months,” Sen. Ralph Hise, a Republican from Mitchell County, said in his presentation. “Just trying to make sure that we can get kids caught up over the summer and provide that opportunity.”
The amendments maintain $100 million for private road and bridge repair. Hise added that while this is a good start, they need more support from the federal government.
“We need federal help,” Hise said. “We’ve got challenges, particularly on the needs of private businesses who were devastated by this loss that we have limitations on being able to address.”
The changes keep $55 million for small business infrastructure recovery, but notably do not include the $15 million for the Golden LEAF Foundation, which would connect money directly to nonprofits on the ground.
David Jackson, president of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, says he was looking forward to the prospect of that funding.
“We still have not seen any direct federal support, direct state support, and we don’t expect to,” Jackson said. “It’s these types of partnerships between a trusted organization.”
He says they are encouraged by the attention this issue is getting from the governor’s office and both chambers of the legislature.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been able to distribute $470,000 in disaster grant funding and just opened up applications for another round. However, he says they still have a long way to go.
“The need is just as dire, if not maybe more so than it was during the first two rounds,” Jackson said. “They’re really just beginning the process right now and are seeking funding to help repair equipment, repair buildings, be able to hire at the rate they need to, things along those lines. So while we’re moving away from maybe some of the physical damage, we’re certainly getting into the economic damage.”
The Senate’s amendments would still have to be approved by the full chamber before it goes back to the House.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
