House Speaker Tim Moore and Sen. Phil Berger said in a joint news release last week that details are still being worked out about what exactly is needed to facilitate the state’s response.
WRAL reports that the state is looking at the $4.75 billion “rainy day fund” along with $733 million to help with emergency relief.
MSN reports that the damage in the WNC is still being evaluated, so lawmakers expect this legislation will include a down payment on the state’s contribution, along with other changes to state law that would provide flexibility to agencies and displaced residents.
For example, within two weeks of the destruction caused by Hurricane Florence in eastern North Carolina in September 2018, lawmakers quickly approved $57 million in disaster relief funds and also waived fees for displaced residents to obtain new driver’s licenses and identification cards. They also passed a bill ensuring staff at schools were paid up to 20 instructional days that were lost in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Over 48,000 people have applied for disaster relief from western North Carolina. 25 North Carolina counties have declared a state of emergency. Over 215 people have died from the hurricane of which half are in western North Carolina.
Money from the federal government is already on the way, with the White House reporting more than $17 million in housing and other assistance for more than 10,000 households in North Carolina. Individuals and families can apply for FEMA assistance, and access other resources, at fema.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
The federal government has already provided initial funding of $100 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to repair damaged roads and bridges. Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of U.S. Transportation, said that they are coordinating with North Carolina “so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes.” He added that this will be followed with additional funding.
The Department of Public Instructions is seeking $166 million. As reported by The News & Observer $150 will go on repairing schools and replacing technology and the $16 million for school nutrition staff who were employed for scheduled instructional days that were missed due to Helene. The agency is requesting school calendar flexibility
Media reported that top Democrats in the House and Senate said their caucuses are ready to work with Republicans and Cooper.
WCJ will follow the session and report on the discussion and the new legislation if passed.
