North Charlotte Today

Senator Thom Tillis has announced the inclusion of over $100 billion in disaster relief funds within a bipartisan government funding bill. This financial package is intended to aid states and communities affected by natural disasters, with North Carolina being a key beneficiary following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

"Western North Carolina will need significant resources to be made whole again, and I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in both parties to secure this critical funding," Senator Tillis stated. He emphasized that the long-term rebuilding process could commence once Congress passes the legislation.

For several months, Senator Tillis collaborated with congressional leaders and appropriators to ensure the allocation of these funds. His efforts led to the inclusion of provisions aimed at expediting federal assistance delivery to Western North Carolina.

One notable provision mandates that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issue a Federal Register notice by January 15, 2025, for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). This aims to accelerate funding distribution to North Carolina, reducing delays that have historically spanned 12-24 months post-authorization.

Additionally, funding for the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program has been replenished under Tillis's guidance. This move is crucial as 2,338 applicants from North Carolina are currently awaiting processing for loans totaling $172 million.

North Carolina anticipates receiving at least $9 billion in assistance, excluding potential billions more from FEMA. The state will benefit from CDBG-DR funding for community recovery and rebuilding efforts; disaster payments for farmers impacted by Helene; infrastructure repair investments; and enhancements in drinking water infrastructure.

Nationally, the legislation allocates significant resources across various departments:

- The Department of Agriculture receives $33.5 billion.

- The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration is granted $1.5 billion.

- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is allocated $1.04 billion.

- Homeland Security is provided with $30.83 billion.

- The Interior Department receives $3 billion.

- Environmental Protection Agency gets $3.3 billion.

Other departments like Health and Human Services receive specific allocations aimed at repairing child care facilities damaged by natural disasters, while Transportation gets $8 billion for emergency relief related to highways.

Since Hurricane Helene's landfall, Senator Tillis has actively sought federal support for Western North Carolina through legislative initiatives and collaboration with local leaders across various regions including Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, and Waynesville among others.