Article Summary –
North Carolina officials, led by Governor Cooper, met with President Biden to seek federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery. The hurricane caused 103 deaths and $53 billion in damages. Biden proposed $98.6 billion in aid for this and another hurricane, with emphasis on FEMA, agriculture, housing, and water systems. Bipartisan support is evident, with optimism for rapid aid approval. Biden assured a smooth transition to the Trump administration for ongoing support.
Elected Officials Advocate for North Carolina Hurricane Helene Relief
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper led state lawmakers in discussions with President Joe Biden, advocating for federal recovery funds for western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. Accompanying Cooper were Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers, Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary, Buncombe County Commissioners Parker Sloan and Amanda Edwards, and Lake Lure Mayor Pro Tem Dave DiOrio. The delegation also met with Senators Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, and Congressman Chuck Edwards.
Mayor Smathers commended the bipartisan efforts, emphasizing the urgent recovery needs. Commissioner Sloan expressed optimism post-meetings, noting, “I came home more optimistic than when I went up there.”
What Biden is Proposing
Hurricane Helene’s devastation led to 103 deaths and a $53 billion financial burden. Gov. Cooper requested $25 billion in federal aid, while President Biden sought $98.6 billion for both Helene and Hurricane Milton recovery. Biden’s proposal includes $40 billion for FEMA, $24 billion for agriculture, $12 billion via HUD, and $4 billion for the EPA.
The storm severely damaged regional water systems, with Asheville taking 53 days to restore clean drinking water. Sloan emphasized the importance of upgrading water infrastructure.
Senator Tillis supported the $100 billion proposal, urging swift congressional action. Smathers praised Biden’s commitment to western North Carolina’s recovery.
Both Biden and Tillis aim to finalize a deal by Christmas, signifying bipartisan cooperation.
The Transition from Biden to Trump
President-elect Donald Trump will assume office on Jan. 20. Mayor Smathers reported Biden’s assurance that the transition wouldn’t disrupt recovery efforts. He remains hopeful for continued bipartisan support, led by Senators Budd, Tillis, and Congressman Edwards, stating, “There should be no disagreement on helping the people of western North Carolina.”
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