Data reveals which areas have seen the most money from North Carolina’s new program meant to expedite Helene recovery in the western NC mountains.
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has begun delivering the first round of interest-free loans for Hurricane Helene relief to local governments, with more checks from the initial funds forthcoming soon, State Treasurer Brad Briner announced Monday. The $100 million cashflow loan program, created under the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 and passed into law on December 11, aims to assist local governments whose communities were devastated by Helene while they await federal funds. The program is administered by the state treasurer.
“We had a big goal on a short deadline, and we are excited to announce that help is on the way,” Briner said in a statement. “The residents of Western North Carolina needed rapid resources to restore upended lives and rebuild neighborhoods.”
Jeff Poley, who oversees the Disaster Services and Rural Economic Development program on behalf of the state treasurer, reported that loans have been approved for 98 local governments, totaling $73,499,999.98. As of Feb. 21, some local governments had already received their allocations. A portion of the $100 million is being held back due to documentation challenges faced by some local governments, exacerbated by recent winter storm closures., according to officials. Poley is said to be working with these governments to complete their applications on an extended deadline.
“More loans will be issued in the coming weeks as we continue to work through the unavoidable challenges,” Poley said in a statement, in which he also expressed gratitude to the N.C. League of Municipalities, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, and the N.C. Department of Emergency Management for their partnership in launching the program.
Rose Vaughn Williams, the executive director of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, highlighted the ongoing financial hurdles faced by municipalities in Western North Carolina.
“This interest-free loan program, made possible by the General Assembly and Treasurer Briner, ultimately means that help is getting to residents more quickly and more efficiently, and that local governments have more of the resources that they need today,” Williams said in a provided statement.
Philip Hise, mayor of Spruce Pine, Mitchell County’s largest municipality, expressed gratitude for the $2.8 million cashflow loan
“Our town has accumulated several million dollars in debt to contractors and engineering debt for repairs made to our sewer and water system. This money will be used to pay debts while waiting on the federal government for funds,” Hise said.
Under the cashflow loan program, local governments must provide damage assessments to the N.C. Department of Emergency Management, which are used to calculate loan amounts. The governing boards of impacted local governments need to vote to approve acceptance of the interest-free loans. Meanwhile requests for loans from school districts are channeled through their county governments.
Here is how the first round of money was distributed:
Helping small businesses
Additionally, Governor Josh Stein announced a program on on January 31 to help small businesses.
While visiting western North Carolina, the governor revealed that $30 million in grant funds will be available to eligible small business owners in Western North Carolina.
“These small businesses are the beating hearts of our community,” Stein said during his Boone press conference.
To qualify for the grants, businesses must:
- Be located in Western North Carolina, covering 24 counties or the Qualla Boundary
- Have been open before Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024
- Show proof of damage from the storm
- Make less than $2.5 million a year
Smaller businesses, those making under $1 million yearly, can receive up to $25,000 in aid. The program is a collaborative effort between Appalachian Community Capital, Dogwood Health Trust, and the North Carolina state government. Business owners had until February 21 to submit their applications.
Stein also announced $3 million in funding to help Habitat for Humanity continue assisting Helene victims with home repairs.
Housing needs after Helene
With storm recovery ongoing in the mountains, Stein invites North Carolinians to participate in developing an Action Plan to address unmet housing and economic revitalization hurricane recovery needs. A $1.4 billion proposed plan to address housing needs will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for approval once the draft plan is finalized. Until then, officials are seeking feedback from the public.
Several options are available for submitting comments about the state’s proposed CDBG-DR Action Plan:
Additionally, a series of in-person public hearings are scheduled in February in six Western North Carolina locations. Details of these meetings can be reviewed on the N.C. Commerce website.
