North Carolina lawmakers are advancing separate Helene aid plans, each outlining distinct paths to funding recovery in the western mountains. The House proposed roughly $465 million, while the Senate unveiled a broader $700 million package, and both approaches rely on different funding sources.
How the Plans Differ
- House Plan
The House bill allocates $464 million in state funds. It includes specific grants for small businesses, farmers, debris removal, and school repairs. The proposal also taps federal funding for water and sewer projects and proposes limited aid for nonprofits. - Senate Plan
The Senate plan directs $700 million into a Helene recovery fund—appropriating $480 million immediately while reserving the remainder for future needs. The Senate emphasizes water, sewer, and transportation projects and reduces business grants. It dedicates $8 million to agricultural manufacturing, but removes a planned $60 million small-business grant program.
Budget analyst teams say the Senate redirects over $500 million from local aid, road maintenance, and transportation reserves to this fund.
Roadblocks Ahead
The House rejected the Senate’s changes in a unanimous vote, triggering a conference committee to resolve differences. Representatives and senators signal they’re close to agreement, but may miss the current legislative session’s end.
What This Means for Farmers
Both Helene aid plans include agriculture-related funds:
- The House version features a $25 million farm infrastructure recovery program.
- The Senate replaces it with $8 million focused on agricultural manufacturing and processing.
Farmers continue to face challenges—from damaged barns and fields to stalled crop production—and await dependable financial support.
Why It Matters
Hurricane Helene dealt an estimated $60 billion in damage, affecting over 100 lives and uprooting farms and businesses. North Carolina has already dedicated more than $1.6 billion to recovery, with federal aid adding billions more. However, delays in state aid prolong the hardship for rural communities that are still under stress.
What’s Next
A conference committee must reconcile the Helene aid plans before legislators adjourn. With the Senate returning funds to the recovery account and the House emphasizing small business grants, final approval may come either late this week or following July recess.
AP News. (2025, May 22). North Carolina House advances more Hurricane Helene aid in $465M package.
AP News. (2025, Mar 4). North Carolina Senate, after monthlong pause, passes billions in Helene aid — without business grants.
AXIOS. (2025, Mar 20). NC allocates $524 million more in Hurricane Helene relief.
AgPro Today with NC Newsline. (2025, Jun 25). NC House, Senate Have Separate Plans for Helene Aid. Here’s How They Differ.
