NC Gov. Josh Stein appeals to Trump for FEMA extension of Helene money

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Apr 27, 2025

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North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein’s nearly four months in office has been defined by the aftermath of Helene. It’s been where the Democrat has found common ground with, and support from, Republicans in the General Assembly.

Now, like state lawmakers, he is appealing to Washington to ensure there’s enough money for Western North Carolina’s recovery.

Just days after taking office in January, President Donald Trump flew to Asheville, North Carolina, to tour Helene damage. Stein was there on the tarmac to greet him, a move he referenced in a letter Friday to the president about FEMA funding.

Stein’s letter to Trump referenced their Asheville conversation in January as he appealed FEMA’s decision not to extend the 100% match for North Carolina recovery.

“Hurricane Helene caused incredible damage to western North Carolina. President Trump, as you noted when you visited the region in January, we need a focus on debris removal to create a clean slate from which we can effectively rebuild,” Stein wrote.

“I therefore respectfully urge you to reconsider FEMA’s regretful decision and extend our 100 percent cost share period for six months — failing that, then for three months. Doing so would allow us to continue to build on the momentum you have helped us achieve,” Stein said in the letter.

Stein’s office said that without the 100% extension, when funding drops to 90%, the state would have a projected cost of $200 million.

As Trump talked to reporters in January, he suggested the state also “chip in.”

When I interviewed Stein earlier this month, I asked him about his approach to dealing with Trump. He said the president choosing to visit Western North Carolina so soon after inauguration was “a positive thing,” adding that Trump’s attention on storm debris removal has also been good for the state.

Stein told me he has regular meetings with Trump Cabinet members, too, saying that “we’re going to talk to anyone and everyone who can help us help the people of Western North Carolina.”

At the state level, when Republican senators put forward their budget proposal about a week ago, budget writer and Western North Carolina Sen. Ralph Hise told reporters “We must prepare to fend for ourselves.”

Hise, who is from Spruce Pine in a Helene-hit area, said they “remain hopeful that the federal government will provide increased and expedited reimbursements” for Helene recovery.

The Senate’s budget proposal, which was passed by the chamber’s Republican supermajority along with four Democrats, also included adding $700 million to the state Helene reserve fund.

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