North Carolina

Republicans: N Carolina budget holds $60M for disaster aid

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina legislators want to set aside another $60 million to help Hurricane Matthew victims build stronger homes or locate to higher ground, as well as for the state to prepare for the next storm.

Senate and House Republicans announced Friday state budget adjustments being voted on next week would include the amount going into a disaster relief reserve. This is on top of $300 million for state disaster relief funded since Matthew in late 2016.

A news release says $25 million would be used for housing needs not covered by federal grant programs. Other money will match federal assistance, help with disaster preparation efforts and provide local governments with relief grants from Matthew, other storms and 2016 wildfires.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper had sought $140 million for disaster assistance.