Hurricane Helene Updates & Resources

On behalf of our entire NCFA team, our hearts go out to our members, industry counterparts, families, and friends affected by the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene. We understand that, at this time, it is hard to process the best way to help and support NC communities in need. As we learn more and navigate the best path forward, we can help by donating to various organizations that are mobilizing efforts to meet the immediate needs of hurricane victims. Please consider donating, and click here for a comprehensive update, including resources and a current list of distribution sites.

There is no shortage of reputable places to send monetary aid, but here are a few that are at the top of our list:
 
Thank you for your support, and please continue to keep our friends out west in your thoughts and prayers as we soldier forward on this road to recovery.
For those affected, here are some helpful links:
If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the disaster distress helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text, or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

 

NCFA Actions

Since Helene's destruction, the NCFA has been working with its members to determine their challenges post Helene, and working with the NC General Assembly on those recovery efforts.

The NCFA has formed a coalition with the Forest Landowners Association and other state associations to implement the items listed in the Disaster Recovery Policy Recommendations:

  • Cosponsor the Disaster Reforestation Act: Create tax certainty for landowners reforesting after a disaster.
  • Improve the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Enhance existing programs like EFRP through the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act.
  • Support Comprehensive Disaster Relief: Advocate for an ad hoc disaster relief package and ensure forest landowners are included in direct payment programs or state administered black grants.

Important Legislation

As of October 9, 2024, the NC General Assembly released House Bill 149: Disaster Recovery Act of 2024. Click the link to read the bill summary in its entirety, but the following line items are of interest to the forestry industry:

  • Section 5.1 creates the Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 (PTC8) Disaster Recovery Fund (PTC8 Fund) to provide necessary and appropriate relief and assistance from the effects of PTC8 to Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. Funds shall be drawn from the PTC8 Fund only as needed upon justification by a State agency.
  • Section 6.1 transfers two hundred seventy-three million dollars ($273,000,000) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year from the Savings Reserve to the Helene Fund.
  • Section 6.2 appropriates funds received on or after September 1, 2024, under the Stafford Act and other federal disasters assistance programs for State disasters as a result of Hurricane Helene or PTC8. 
  • Section 8.1 (a) allows public school units (PSUs) to excuse days missed for schools that closed in September or October 2024 due to weather, (b) increases the amount of authorized remote instruction time for schools in disaster-declared counties and counties identified as impacted by PTC8 for the remainder of this school year, (c) treats employees and contractors of PSUs as having worked on days deemed completed by the PSU due to Hurricane Helene and provides funds to replace lost compensation of school nutrition employees, and (d) requires DPI to report on the calendar flexibility and compensation provided.   
  • Section 9.1 changes the following, for the November 2024 election only, in the 25 listed Western counties: 
  1. Chief judges, judges, assistants, student election assistants, ballot counters, and staff to early voting sites who are registered voters of the State could be appointed without regard to precinct or county of residence.  Poll observers could also be appointed without regard to precinct or county of residence.
  2. By bipartisan majority vote, one of the impacted 25 county board of elections could modify the Plan for Implementation for early voting or make adjustments to Election Day precinct polling places.
  3. Provide that multi-partisan teams may assist any eligible voter in requesting an absentee ballot, may serve as witnesses to an absentee ballot, or may otherwise assist in the process of absentee voting, once the county board of elections, by bipartisan majority vote, has established guidelines for the operation of the multi-partisan team.   
  4. State employees could serve as precinct officials without need to take leave time. 
  • Section 10.1 allows the Department of Environmental Quality to authorize local government units that were provided funds for wastewater or drinking projects under previous budget bills to use those funds for mitigation or remediation of disaster related impairment to allow a drinking water or wastewater infrastructure project to begin, resume, or continue to operate. Additionally, funds may be used for temporary measures that allow the preservation or restoration of drinking water and wastewater service.  
  • Section 10.3 authorizes open burning without an air quality permit of "storm-related debris" originating from designated counties as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The exemption applies from the date that the state of emergency was declared by the Governor through March 31, 2025. 
  • Section 11.1 temporarily authorizes the Governor to waive certain fees assessed for drivers licenses, identification cards, titles, registrations, and late payments. 

October 28, 2024:

North Carolina Damage Appraisal - Hurricane Helene

October 25, 2024:

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Visits North Carolina to Highlight Federal Resources Available to Help Farmers, Families and Communities Recover from Hurricane Helene (USDA.gov)

October 22, 2024:

North Carolina Forest Damage Appraisal - Hurricane Helene 2024

October 15, 2024:

‘Significant progress made:’ North Carolina governor, officials provide update on Helene recovery (WBTV)