North Raleigh Today

Governor Josh Stein has submitted North Carolina's proposed Action Plan for a $1.4 billion federal disaster recovery grant to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This move aims to address unmet needs in housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization in western North Carolina following a major hurricane.

The plan's submission follows a 30-day public comment period during which input from residents was incorporated. According to the Governor's Office, North Carolina is the fastest state to propose a plan after a major hurricane within the last decade. Governor Stein emphasized the importance of speed, stating, “To rebuild damaged communities, we must rebuild people’s homes and our critical infrastructure." He expressed gratitude to those who contributed feedback and urged swift federal approval to expedite home rebuilding.

In support of the initiative, Governor Stein has created a new division within the Commerce Department to manage the HUD Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program for the region. The Division of Community Revitalization, under the leadership of Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah, developed the Action Plan and conducted public meetings across six western North Carolina locations for feedback.

The Helene Action Plan outlines a prioritization of funds towards housing recovery for low and moderate-income residents, with additional focus on rebuilding infrastructure and economic revitalization for small businesses and commercial districts. Governor Stein assured, “We are moving with urgency so that western North Carolina receives the relief it needs,” a sentiment echoed by North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.

While the state awaits HUD's decision, the Division of Community Revitalization has commenced housing recovery efforts, boosted by $120 million of state funds appropriated by the General Assembly. There is acknowledgment that the $1.42 billion from the federal grant may not fully address the region’s housing needs. Additionally, a separate $225 million HUD CDBG-DR grant was designated for the City of Asheville.

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