"We are grateful for every federal dollar that we have received ... but we need more help. The next stage of recovery is going to require a new commitment from Congress and from the administration to not forget the people of western North Carolina," said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) as he called for an additional $13.5 billion in federal recovery assistance, nearly a year after the storm hit his state. He was joined by local elected officials representing areas damaged by Hurricane Helene.