MORGANTON, N.C. — Six weeks after Tropical Storm Helene, western North Carolina leaders are working together for a way forward.
Governor Roy Cooper spoke with dozens of mayors and county leaders in Morganton on Friday as damages top $53 billion.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty spoke with families about the long road to recovery.
One of the people Faherty spoke with said that the recovery there is not a “sprint,” instead likening it to a marathon.
Tom Starnes said he’ll never forget the night after the storm as he and his wife were rescued out a second-floor window of their home.
The couple said they don’t think they’ll be able to move back in for a year. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is already helping him and others recover.
“It’s absolutely critical. And I will credit FEMA with being very responsive. We had a positive response within about three or four days,” Starnes said.
Resident Matthew Hubbs said his home flooded and trees came down on his property during the storm, forcing him out for several days.
“It’s very important because people here lost a lot. There is damage everywhere,” Hubbs said.
The director of FEMA, along with Governor Roy Cooper, spoke to mayors and county commissioners at the North Carolina League of Municipalities.
Mayor Ronnie Thompson, along with Avery County Commission Chair Tim Phillips, addressed the importance of leaders gathering to share ideas on the recovery.
“We’re looking to steal any good ideas from other communities. We’ve had great networking here,” Thompson said.
“Never let pride get in the way of your success here because to reach out and ask for help is a major thing, and that’s what we’re doing today,” Phillips echoed.
State lawmakers said two aid packages totaling $900 million have been passed, with the possibility of more funding coming in the next few weeks.
VIDEO: Family tries to rebuild mountain oasis after Helene destroyed it
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