South Winston Salem News

U.S. Senator Ted Budd, representing North Carolina, has spearheaded a bipartisan letter aimed at securing vital federal funding for the state’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The letter, addressed to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, seeks approval for North Carolina’s Action Plan involving $1.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding. This funding is anticipated to aid Western North Carolina in rebuilding housing, infrastructure, and revitalizing the economy in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“Last September, Hurricane Helene brought historic rainfall and strong winds to Western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides. The storm destroyed thousands of homes and damaged tens of thousands more, resulting in $12.7 billion in residential losses. Millions of North Carolinians lost access to essential services, and the region’s economy suffered a devastating hit, threatening livelihoods and the long-term stability of many of the state’s once-thriving communities," the letter stated.

Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina presented the state's proposed plan for the utilization of these funds on March 26, 2025, a swift turnaround occurring 181 days after Hurricane Helene's impact. This proposal marks the fastest submission of its kind in the last decade after a major hurricane.

“We appreciate HUD’s focus on this urgent matter and urge expedited consideration of North Carolina’s Action Plan. We stand ready to collaborate with you and your team at HUD to maximize the positive impact of this vital grant funding,” the letter further emphasized.

Accompanying Senator Budd in this initiative are Senator Thom Tillis and Representatives Chuck Edwards, Richard Hudson, Deborah K. Ross, Donald G. Davis, David Rouzer, Brad Knott, Valerie Foushee, Pat Harrigan, Tim Moore, and Alma Adams from North Carolina.