In Charlotte, North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper recently signed the state’s inaugural relief package to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, allocating $273 million towards immediate needs and providing flexibility to agencies and affected residents.
The legislation, endorsed unanimously by the Republican-dominated General Assembly, primarily focuses on securing the state’s required share for federal disaster assistance programs. Additionally, part of the funds will support public-school nutrition employees affected by school closures and aid in election administration in the upcoming weeks.
Governor Cooper emphasized the crucial role of state and federal support in the extensive recovery efforts required for Western North Carolina, highlighting the legislation’s significance as an initial substantial step forward. The General Assembly plans to reconvene in Raleigh on October 24 to address further recovery legislation.
Funds amounting to $273 million from the state’s savings reserve, totaling $4.75 billion, were allocated through the bill passed on Wednesday. The legislation also includes provisions such as waiving replacement fees for lost driver’s licenses and identification cards in western counties and easing permitting requirements for highway repairs and storm debris burning.
Regarding elections, the General Assembly extended adjustments for election procedures and ballot submission to encompass 25 counties, up from the initial 13, offering expanded options for absentee ballot submission in the region.
