Gov. Stein seeks input to address unmet housing, economic needs that remain from Helene in western NC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The governor's office is seeking input in the development of an plan to address unmet needs for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Stein invites North Carolinians to participate in the development of an Action Plan to address needs related to housing and economic revitalization. The $1.4 billion proposed plan, published by N.C. Commerce's new Division of Community Revitalization, will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for approval once the draft plan is finalized.
NC House lawmakers consider $500 million for Hurricane Helene relief
The Action Plan is a required step for receiving federal funds from a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) award, which Stein announced Jan. 7. Tuesday is the opening of a formal, 30-day comment period when people can offer input through email, online, by postal letter or fax, or through a series of public meetings being scheduled this month in least six communities.
Two of the public meetings are in the Charlotte area:
Western Piedmont Council Office
Thursday, Feb. 27, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
1880 Second Ave. NW, Hickory
Centralina Regional Council Office
Friday, Feb. 28 10 a.m. to noon
10735 David Taylor Drive, Suite 250, Charlotte
'Western North Carolina is going to build back stronger than ever, but it's going to take work and planning,' said Stein in a statement. 'I am grateful to everyone who offers constructive feedback and works with us to turn this plan into reality and spur action in the region's economy.'
The Helene Action Plan proposes a majority of funds go to housing recovery for low- and moderate-income residents. The plan also lays out proposed funds for infrastructure rebuilding and economic support, particularly for small businesses and commercial districts.
Governor Stein advocating for $1.07 billion to rebuild western NC
'Hearing ideas from as many stakeholders and western North Carolina partners as possible will sharpen this proposal, positioning us to succeed with the tough recovery job ahead of us,' said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
A damage and needs assessment published by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) in December 2024 estimated 73,700 homes were likely to have been damaged in the storm. Cost estimates for housing impacts include an estimated $12.7 billion in residential damage.
Currently, the pending HUD CDBG-DR grant earmarked for the State of North Carolina stands at $1.4 billion, pending federal approval of the state's Action Plan. Although this allotment will fall short of the unmet housing needs estimate, these funds will serve as a critical cornerstone for the revitalization of western North Carolina's homes and businesses.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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