GOP lawmakers say they're ready to OK $800M in Florence aid

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina's top Republican legislative leaders say they're prepared to approve nearly $800 million for Hurricane Florence recovery when the General Assembly reconvenes Monday.

[RELATED: North Carolina lawmakers take first crack at Florence recovery]

House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger on Saturday announced support to appropriate $794 million. Most would come from the state's rainy-day reserves.

[RELATED: NC man dies from bacteria infection during Florence aftermath clean-up]

This past week, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper unveiled a detailed $1.5 billion relief request, for which he sought $750 million immediately. Moore and Berger's offices said in a news release they'll give Cooper and state agencies maximum spending flexibility while damage assessments continue.

[Florence aftermath: Dead fish pile up on North Carolina interstate]

Cooper's plan focused on helping farmers and businesses and repairing homes, roads, schools and other government buildings. Republicans say they'll also back Cooper's request for a new hurricane recovery office.

The legislature approved an initial recovery bill Oct. 2.

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Associated Press