Charlotte Makes Moves to Aid in Mountain Recovery
Charlotte, the bustling heart of North Carolina, is making headlines with its swift action in response to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The state lawmakers have rolled up their sleeves and approved what many are calling just the first of many aid packages aimed squarely at helping the beleaguered communities in Western North Carolina.
This afternoon, a robust $273 million disaster relief bill was given the green light with a unanimous vote—113-0 in the House and 48-0 in the Senate. The bill, fittingly tagged as “the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024,” is now on its way to Governor Roy Cooper for approval. It’s hard to overstate how crucial this funding is, especially considering the estimated damage in the state stands in the billions.
What’s in the Bill?
At the core of this relief package is a substantial allocation of $250 million designated for the Division of Emergency Management. This money isn’t just a one-time deal; it serves as a state match for federal funding, providing financial breathing room for state agencies and local governments still awaiting reimbursement. Beyond that, the bill sets aside $16 million for schools, $2 million for local governments, and $5 million for elections—each of these areas desperately needs support as recovery efforts ramp up.
Senate leader Phil Berger reiterated the importance of the bill during a post-approval press conference, noting, “This is just the first step.” With a rainy day fund currently boasting $4.75 billion and an additional $733 million in emergency reserves, North Carolina appears to be well-positioned to continue supporting its mountain communities.
School Days and Construction
One particularly poignant aspect of the bill is its provision allowing school boards within the 25 declared disaster counties to waive up to 20 missed instructional days. Talk about making things easier for students and teachers trying to get back to normal! Flexibility to establish remote learning during this school year is also included, which acknowledges the unique challenges facing education amid recovery.
Many school districts, especially in the hardest-hit areas, have currently shut down “indefinitely,” leaving families wondering when they can return to a sense of normalcy. In a typical year, North Carolina public schools are required to have 185 instructional days, but with ongoing uncertainties, this bill offers a much-needed respite.
Additional Measures for Recovery
The bill also opens the door for further relief by relaxing rules in the disaster area. From imposing a moratorium on construction fees and providing flexibility for water and wastewater infrastructure spending to allowing open burning of storm debris without permits, the government is doing everything it can to ease the burden on local communities. Additionally, it extends deadlines for collecting Covid-era business loans and postpones due dates for certain state taxes.
“I promised I wouldn’t cry, but people are still needing help, even though we didn’t ask for it,” said Representative Jennifer Balkcom, who expressed genuine emotion during the conference. “This is just a start. This is a start to give people what they need.”
Ongoing Power Issues and Concerts for Relief
Turning to another pressing issue, as of noon yesterday, Duke Energy reported that around 83,800 customers in North Carolina and 6,500 in South Carolina were still without power. The utility company is grappling with severe infrastructure damage, which in some cases means that homes and businesses simply no longer exist. They have restored power to 2.6 million customers since the hurricane, but the landscape is still challenging.
However, there’s a bright light shining through the clouds! A benefit concert is on the horizon! Bank of America Stadium has announced that major artists like Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and Bailey Zimmerman are joining the already spectacular lineup for the “Concert for Carolina” on October 26. This star-studded event aims to raise funds specifically for relief efforts in Western North Carolina.
Community Heroes
In the spirit of community, many organizations and local heroes are stepping up. A Davidson College student, Jackson Schulz, transformed his flight school into a donation center and is flying essential supplies to those in need. Another volunteer group, dubbed the “Redneck Air Force,” is making headlines by transporting supplies to remote areas, showing just how much can be achieved when communities unite.
Despite the many challenges ahead, the resilience of North Carolina shines through. From families rallying together to support one another to local governments making crucial funding moves, it’s clear that while Hurricane Helene may have tested their strength, it also highlighted the heart and tenacity of Western North Carolina. As recovery unfolds, stay tuned for more updates and ways to help.
