Latest Updates

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Two years after Hurricane Helene, DEQ helps communities build back stronger Opens in new tab

Two years ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking more than 100 lives and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. One of the top priorities at the NC Department of Environmental Quality has been helping communities recover and rebuild to make communities more resilient…

Governor Stein Celebrates $34.2 Million in Federal Economic Development Grants to Support Western North Carolina Recovery Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated that 7 projects supporting economic resilience after Hurricane Helene will receive

For Immediate Release: NC Office of State Fire Marshal Reports 3 Fatalities and More Than $4.3 Million in Fireworks-Related Damage Over Fourth of July Holiday Opens in new tab

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging residents to use extreme caution with consumer fireworks after investigations from across the state documented dozens of fireworks-r

North Carolina Students Recognized for Innovative Use of Geographic Technology Opens in new tab

College students from North Carolina were honored earlier this month at the 2023 North Carolina Geographic Information Systems Conference with the G. Herbert Stout Award for Innovative Student Papers.

Governor Stein Signs State Budget, Enacting Historic Pay Raises for Teachers and Law Enforcement Opens in new tab

Today Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 257 into law, enacting North Carolina’s first full state budget in more than two years. Governor Stein released the following statement:

State Hosts Closing the Digital Divide Listening Session; Registration Open for Six Additional Stops Opens in new tab

The NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity yesterday hosted the first of eight regional sessions to collect feedback from residents and businesses to inform state plans to address each community’s needs for affordable high-speed internet access, devices and digital training. Registration is…

N.C. Stroke Registry Improves Stroke System of Care Opens in new tab

The N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services have launched the N.C. Stroke Registry to improve the stroke care continuum in North Carolina.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: State Fire Marshal Urges North Carolinians to Celebrate Safely During America's 250th Anniversary Opens in new tab

As North Carolina and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is encouraging residents to enjoy the holiday safely by attending p

NEWS ADVISORY: MEDIA INVITED TO PREMIERE OF NEW DOCUMENTARY ON SPARKLER DANGERS AND TO HONOR THE EXTRAORDINARY CHAIN OF SURVIVAL THAT SAVED LOCAL WOMAN Opens in new tab

Contact: Shannon Bullock | Shannon.bullock@ncdoi.gov | 910-228-8565

In DC, Governor Stein Shares Updates on Helene Recovery and Calls for Congress to Invest in Western North Carolina Opens in new tab

Today in Washington, D.C., Governor Josh Stein met with members of North Carolina’s Congressional delegation to

Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officials Urge North Carolinians to Prepare for the 2026 Hurricane Season Opens in new tab

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began today, and Governor Stein urged North Carolinians to have a plan in place in case tropical weather impacts the state this season.

Governor Stein Celebrates Lake Lure’s Comeback Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein joined federal, state, and local officials in Morse Park to announce the reopening of beloved outdoor destination Lake Lure.

Governor Stein Highlights Need for Investments in Wildfire Prevention, Thanks NC Forest Service for Their Work Amid Drought Conditions Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein joined the North Carolina Forest Service in Buncombe County to thank them for their work to keep people safe during wildfire season.

Governor Stein Highlight Grants to Strengthen Rural North Carolina in Edenton Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein and Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight visited the town of Edenton to showcase the state’s partnership with local governments to expand eco

Fourth category of USDA block grant to assist landowners with timber losses from Hurricane Helene will begin accepting applications April 20 Opens in new tab

RALEIGH – The application period will open April 20 for landowners to apply for assistance for timber losses from Hurricane Helene as part of the $221 million USDA block grant the state received.

Parks and Recreation Authority Awards More Than $4 Million in State Grants to Local Parks for Helene Recovery Projects Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein announced the awarding of more than $4 million in grants that will fund 11 local parks and recreation projects in western North Carolina through the Helene

Renew NC Launches Commercial District Revitalization Program for Western North Carolina Opens in new tab

Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a first-round

$221 million federal disaster block grant application period opens March 30 to assist agriculture and forestry producers Opens in new tab

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that the application period will open Monday, March 30, for three of the four categories that producers can apply for $221 million i

Governor Stein Proposes Third Hurricane Helene Recovery State Budget to Rebuild Western North Carolina Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein called on the General Assembly to

Governor Stein Awards Nearly $8.5 Million to Strengthen Small Business Infrastructure in Western North Carolina Opens in new tab

Governor Josh Stein today announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina.

Governor Stein Announces $40 Million for Disaster Relief and Mitigation, Volunteer Organizations Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein announced the recipients of more than $24 million in mitigation grants from the Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund as well as $16 million in grant funding to volunteer or

Statement from Governor Josh Stein on NGA Meeting Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement after attending the National Governors Association (NGA) meeting at the White House:

North Carolina Awarded $75 Million to Support Child Care Facilities Following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby Opens in new tab

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it received $75.8 million from the

Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $472 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects Opens in new tab

Governor Josh Stein announced today that 145 projects in 66 counties across the state will receive more than $472 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Governor Stein, DEQ Announce $5.7M for Flood Resilience Projects in the French Broad River Basin Opens in new tab

Today in Woodfin, Governor Josh Stein announced $5.7 million in grants from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint to reduce flood risk in the Fre

Governor Stein Celebrates Strength of North Carolina Skiing Industry, Encourages Travelers to Rediscover the Unforgettable Mountains of NC Opens in new tab

This weekend, as Americans tune in to watch the Winter Olympics in Italy, Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein are visiting several of North Carolina’s ski resorts to celebrate the mountai

Governor Stein Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments Opens in new tab

Today Governor Josh Stein announced appointments to boards and commissions.

Governor Stein Continues to Advocate for Western North Carolina’s Recovery in Washington, D.C. Opens in new tab

Today in Washington, D.C., Governor Josh Stein met with members of North Carolina’s Congressional delegation to thank them for their work and urge them to appropriate additional funding for western

Governor Stein Highlights Helene Housing Recovery, Visits Polk County Worksite of Nonprofit Helping to Rebuild Western North Carolina Opens in new tab

Today Governor Stein visited Saluda to tour a home repaired by the Housing Assistance Corporation, a volunteer organization working to rebuild homes across western North Carolina.

Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee to meet Dec. 12 Opens in new tab

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For Immediate Release: Application Period Opens for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Grants Round 2: 18 Million in Additional Aid Approved for Impacted Fire Departments and Rescue Squads Opens in new tab

The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is now accepting applications for the second round of Disaster Recovery Grants for fire departments and rescue squads impacted by Hurricane Helene.

2025 VOAD Disaster Recovery Grant Program Opens in new tab

North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) is now accepting applications for grants funded through the 2025 House Bill 47, S.L. 2025-2, § 2A.2(7) for repair and reconstruction projects by Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs).

Governor Stein Announces 30-Day Extension of FEMA Public Assistance Program Opens in new tab

Today, FEMA granted Governor Stein’s request for an extension for state, tribal, and local governments, as well as some non-profit organizations, to apply for its Public Assistance program. The new deadline is April 7, 2025.

Governor Stein Announces 30-Day FEMA Extension for Individual Assistance Opens in new tab

On March 7, 2025, FEMA granted Governor Josh Stein’s request for a 30-day extension for disaster survivors to apply for FEMA’s individual assistance (IA) program. The new deadline is April 7, 2025.

Governor Josh Stein Advocating for $1.07 Billion to Rebuild Western NC Opens in new tab

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Disaster Energy Assistance Available to 25 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene to Help with Heating Costs and Repairs During Winter Beginning Jan. 15 Opens in new tab

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Jan. 2, 2025. For the 25 counties that were heavily…

Public comment period for proposed changes to Tropical Storm Fred recovery plan ends Dec. 8 Opens in new tab

The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency is accepting public comments through Dec. 8 on a proposed amendment to the action plan for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds in areas of Haywood County that were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene…

Public invited to comment on proposed use of state disaster mitigation funds Opens in new tab

The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) is seeking public comments through Dec. 14 on a proposed amendment to the action plan for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation funds.

Governor Cooper Announces Over $14 Million Donated to North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Helene Recovery Opens in new tab

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced over $14 million has been donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina earlier this fall.

Public invited to comment on proposed use of Tropical Storm Fred long-term recovery funds for Hurricane Helene impacts Opens in new tab

The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency is seeking public comments on a proposed amendment to plans for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds in areas of Haywood County impacted by Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene.

Supplemental Disaster Benefits Issued to People Receiving Food and Nutrition Benefits in 23 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene Opens in new tab

PRESS RELEASE — In response to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing one-time disaster supplement benefits to help households already receiving Food and Nutrition Services in 23 counties. This supplemental payment was automatically loaded onto…

Governor Cooper Joins Meeting in Burke County with Western North Carolina Municipal and County Officials to Discuss Helene Recovery Opens in new tab

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Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application Period Extended in Five Western North Carolina Counties Opens in new tab

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is announcing a one-day extension for people in Alexander, Buncombe, Haywood, Macon and McDowell counties to apply for benefits through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help them buy food for their…

NCDHHS Launches New Toolkit to Share Disaster-Specific Mental Health Resources and Support for North Carolinians Opens in new tab

PRESS RELEASE — Natural disasters and incidents of mass violence continue to impact individuals, families and communities. NCDHHS today launched a new, multilingual Disaster and Behavioral Health Resources Communications Toolkit to provide communities with tips, guidance and resources to support…