Gov. Pat McCrory says he'll ask the General Assembly to approve $200 million in emergency funding during the special session that begins Tuesday. The money will help pay for cleanup and recovery after flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in eastern North Carolina in late September and wildfires in western North Carolina since October.
The governor's message didn't say whether anything else might come up during the special session, which begins at 10 a.m.
McCrory said a total of 28 people died in the flooding and wildfires. And he said the impact from the disasters will be felt for years to come.
In a video message, he called the $200 million a "great first step."
"While this funding will address short term critical needs, we know we'll need additional funding as federal dollars are used and we continue to plan for the future," he said.
The governor said the state should be able to cover costs without a tax increase, through the state's reserves - or Rainy Day Fund.
The money would go to five areas, the governor said:
- Housing, including short-term housing for areas not covered by federal emergency aid; and grants for home ownership, rent, construction and repairs.
- Local governments, to help with "school calendar flexibilities" and to help fund infrastructure repairs
- Economic development and stabilization - "To help impacted businesses get back on their feet," the governor said.
- Planning to rebuild in "sustainable" ways
- The state share of disaster relief aid.
Watch the governor's message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbtXci2aQEo&feature=youtu.be
