Today marks six months since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, and Governor Josh Stein used the occasion to honor the 106 lives lost and reaffirm the state’s commitment to the region’s recovery. At a visit, he met families affected by the tragedy and remembered the contributions of individuals like Tony Garrison, a volunteer battalion chief, who died in a mudslide while attempting a rescue.
“Six months ago today, Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina and forever changed our state,” Governor Stein stated. “106 lives were tragically lost in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and their families and communities will forever grieve their absence. Today, we honor their legacies and recommit to supporting our neighbors every step of the way as they work to rebuild western North Carolina.”
Governor Stein acknowledged the efforts of first responders and promised continued support for recovery initiatives. He also signed a proclamation to commemorate the anniversary and the lives lost.
Since the hurricane, Stein has taken numerous steps to aid recovery. He recently submitted an Action Plan for the distribution of $1.4 billion from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This plan was submitted faster than any state has submitted following a major hurricane in the past decade.
Further, Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1, allocating $524 million to support various recovery projects in the region. This includes $120 million for home reconstruction and repair, and other funds for vital infrastructure and cleanup efforts.
Stein is advocating for an additional $19 billion in federal funds to support infrastructure restoration and disaster impact reduction. FEMA granted 30-day extensions for both public and individual assistance programs at his request. The ongoing recovery efforts can be monitored via updates on the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina.
