Raleigh, NC — Governor Josh Stein, inaugurated as North Carolina’s 76th governor on January 1, 2025, has initiated significant changes in the state’s approach to disaster recovery in Western North Carolina. In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Governor Stein announced that the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) will no longer oversee rebuilding efforts in the region.
Establishment of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina
In place of NCORR, Governor Stein has established the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina. This new office is tasked with coordinating and expediting recovery and rebuilding initiatives in the hurricane-affected areas. The decision follows critiques of NCORR’s management of previous disaster recovery funds and aims to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in addressing the needs of impacted communities.
“Rebuilding Western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” Governor Stein stated. “This new office will ensure that recovery efforts are swift, effective, and directly address the needs of our citizens.”
Executive Orders to Accelerate Recovery
On his first day in office, Governor Stein signed five executive orders focused on disaster recovery:
• Temporary Housing Solutions: The state will procure 1,000 temporary housing units to accommodate displaced residents, addressing the immediate need for shelter.
• Infrastructure Repairs: The orders expedite contracting processes for repairing private roads and bridges, ensuring that communities regain access to essential transportation routes.
• Volunteer Support: State employees are granted extended paid leave to participate in volunteer efforts, bolstering manpower for recovery initiatives.
These measures are financed through federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are designed to address both immediate and long-term recovery needs.
Formation of the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee
Prior to taking office, Governor Stein launched the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee. This bipartisan group comprises local leaders, experts, and community representatives who will provide strategic counsel on the rebuilding process. Members include Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Senator Kevin Corbin, among others.
“I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure we rebuild and recover the right way,” Governor Stein remarked.
Continuity and New Appointments in the Administration
Governor Stein has retained several key officials from the previous administration to ensure continuity in critical areas:
• Public Safety Secretary: Eddie Buffaloe will continue to oversee public safety initiatives, including disaster response efforts.
• Transportation Secretary: Joey Hopkins remains in his role, focusing on restoring and improving infrastructure in affected regions.
Additionally, new appointments have been made to lead the recovery office and other departments integral to the rebuilding process.
Background on Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina in late 2024, resulted in over 100 fatalities and caused approximately $59.6 billion in damages. The storm’s unprecedented impact has necessitated a comprehensive and coordinated state response to facilitate effective recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Looking Forward
Governor Stein’s early actions underscore his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Western North Carolina. By restructuring the management of recovery efforts and implementing targeted executive orders, the governor aims to ensure that the rebuilding process is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the affected communities.
For ongoing coverage of Governor Stein’s initiatives and developments in Western North Carolina’s recovery, stay tuned to The Bull City Citizen. Our dedicated team is committed to providing accurate and timely reporting on the issues that matter to our readers.
