Legislators returned to Raleigh on Thursday and unanimously passed a second Disaster Recovery bill (S 743). The bill appropriates $644 million and makes various policy changes to facilitate storm recovery. Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to sign it into law. The new bill is in addition to a disaster recovery bill (H 149) enacted two weeks ago.
Disaster Recovery Act of 2024—Part II
Funding provisions in the bill include:
- $100 million to assist with local government cash flow needs
- $100 million to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for bridge loans for water and sewer
- $75 million for the state and local match for federal disaster assistance programs
- $50 million to state agencies and local governments for unmet needs not covered by insurance or federal aid
- $50 million for school building repair and renovation
- $50 million to the Golden LEAF Foundation for small business loans
- $22 million to DEQ for bridge loans for infrastructure repair and the testing of underground storage tanks
- $10 million to provide weatherization services to homeowners impacted by Helene
- $10 million to Smart Start to help childcare providers reopen their facilities
- $9 million for utility assistance to individuals
- $5 million to replace and repair K-12 student and teacher technology and devices
- $5 million to the Division of Emergency Management to adjust floodplain mapping
- $5 million to the Economic Development Partnership of NC to advertise and encourage tourists to return to Western NC municipalities that are ready for visitors
- Funds for emergency scholarship grants to students at impacted community colleges, UNC system schools, and private colleges
The bill also contains policy provisions such as allowing the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to approve additional school calendar flexibility and authorizing local governments to contract with qualified engineers and architects to assist with inspections.
Information about bills and work of the General Assembly can be found at its website: www.ncleg.gov.
