Gov. Stein’s First Orders Address Helene’s Aftermath 🏠🌲
On his first full day in office, North Carolina’s new governor, Josh Stein, wasted no time setting priorities. In Asheville, Stein signed five executive orders aimed at tackling the immense challenges left by Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western NC in late September. Tens of thousands remain displaced, and roads and bridges are in dire need of repair.
“This region’s needs are vast and require attention,” Stein declared Thursday. “I pledge to do everything in my power as governor to accelerate recovery and the rebuilding of a more resilient region for the long haul.”
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the five executive orders Stein issued and what they mean for residents.
🚨 Breaking Down the Executive Orders
1. Temporary Housing: A Lifeline for Displaced Residents
Helene left more than 12,000 North Carolinians without a home, destroying tens of thousands of housing units across the region. To combat this crisis, Stein signed an order waiving procurement regulations to rapidly deploy up to 1,000 temporary housing units.
“With temperatures plummeting, it is urgent that people have warm and safe places to live now,” Stein said. The temporary units will be federally funded through FEMA, with the state spearheading deployment efforts. Stein emphasized speed, stating, “This is about moving fast to meet immediate needs while building longer-term solutions.”
2. Repairing Private Roads and Bridges
Over 8,000 private roads and bridges were damaged, cutting off access for many communities. Stein’s second order authorizes emergency funds and contractors to begin immediate repairs.
“These roads are critical lifelines for families and first responders,” Stein said. The governor directed the Division of Emergency Management to fast-track these projects using temporary procurement waivers.
3. GROW NC Office: Centralizing Recovery Efforts
To coordinate the massive recovery efforts, Stein established the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW NC). This new office will oversee state government actions related to recovery while ensuring a long-term vision for rebuilding. Additionally, the order created a Division of Community Revitalization within the Department of Commerce to manage housing and resilience projects.
“This is about more than just rebuilding—it’s about building back stronger,” Stein noted.
4. State Employees Encouraged to Volunteer
In a show of solidarity, Stein directed the State Office of Human Resources to grant state employees an extra 16 hours of community service leave. He urged workers to volunteer with local governments and nonprofits to assist neighbors in need. “The people of Western North Carolina need help, and this is one way we can all chip in.”
5. Formalizing the Advisory Committee
Finally, Stein made official the bipartisan advisory committee on Western NC recovery, which had been informally advising efforts since November. The committee, co-chaired by Rep. Kevin Corbin and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, will guide recovery efforts with input from local leaders.
Holding the Governor Accountable 🎯
Not everyone is applauding Stein’s rapid-fire approach without scrutiny. Newly elected State Auditor Dave Boliek, a Republican, made it clear he would ensure fiscal responsibility. “We intend to hold your office accountable,” Boliek stated, referencing the financial oversight his office plans to conduct.
“Every dollar spent will be tracked and audited for efficiency and effectiveness,” Boliek added, underscoring his commitment to transparency in the recovery process.
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