Great News from WNC!

2 CommentsCommentary

Since Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2025, Western North Carolina (WNC) has seen a stark contrast in disaster response compared to the Biden administration’s dismal efforts post-Hurricane Helene. The storm, which ravaged the region in September 2024 with over $53 billion in damages and 100+ deaths, exposed FEMA’s incompetence under Biden. Residents languished without water or housing, while FEMA floundered, offering paltry aid—$750 grants that barely scratched the surface—and leaving communities to fend for themselves. Posts on X slam Biden’s inaction, with one user noting FEMA “did jack shit,” a sentiment echoing the frustration of thousands.

Enter Trump and VP J.D. Vance, who didn’t just visit—they acted. Trump’s first post-inauguration trip on January 24 hit Asheville, where he and Melania met devastated families in Swannanoa, slamming FEMA as a “disaster” and signing an executive order to slash red tape for rebuilding. Vance – the Hillbilly – bolstered this with multiple hands-on visits, coordinating with locals and relief groups like Samaritan’s Purse.

Meanwhile, Biden’s team sat on their hands, leaving the Army Corps of Engineers sidelined until Trump unleashed them. X posts credit Trump with ordering the Corps into action, and they’ve since cleared over 2 million cubic yards of debris—half of Helene’s mess—rebuilt 15 temporary bridges, and restored access to isolated towns. By contrast, Biden’s FEMA approved just $316 million in grants, a drop in the bucket against North Carolina’s $53 billion need.

Trump’s vision to overhaul or scrap FEMA resonates with WNC locals fed up with bureaucracy, while Vance’s groundwork has spurred volunteer efforts, including Amish crews building homes. The Biden administration’s neglect—failing to mobilize resources or even call Governor Roy Cooper promptly—stands in shameful relief against Trump’s decisive leadership and the Corps’ Herculean efforts. WNC’s recovery owes more to Trump and Vance than to FEMA’s empty promises.

North Carolina acts

The North Carolina House Bill, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 allocates $500 million to aid Helene-impacted communities, funding home repairs, debris cleanup, road restoration, and agricultural support for Western North Carolina’s recovery.

It was approved by a vote of 109-0, reflecting the urgency and consensus around providing relief to Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene’s devastation in September 2024. The bill allocates $500 million for various recovery efforts, including $150 million to rebuild homes, $100 million for private road and bridge repairs, and $75 million for agricultural support, among other provisions. This brings the total state relief funding for Helene to over $1.1 billion when combined with prior allocations.

As of today, February 28, 2025, HB 47 has moved to the North Carolina Senate for consideration. Having passed the House, it now requires Senate approval before it can be sent to Governor Josh Stein for his signature to become law. The Senate could potentially amend the bill, which might require further reconciliation with the House, but given the unanimous House vote and the pressing need for relief, there’s momentum for swift action. The bill was drafted as early as February 4, 2025, and has been a priority for the 2025 legislative session, with leaders in both chambers emphasizing recovery for Western North Carolina.