Both the state House and Senate unanimously passed a $604 million relief bill weeks after passing a $273 million relief bill.

North Carolina state lawmakers signed off on a measure Thursday to provide over $600 million more toward Hurricane Helene recovery and relief and also directed some storm-affected counties to open more ballot sites to address crowds and congestion during the early voting period.

North Carolina lawmakers passed legislation Thursday allocating an additional $604 million to help western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm in state history. Why it matters: The spending package is the second lawmakers have passed since Helene hit a month ago,

North Carolina lawmakers on Thursday approved an additional $600 million of Hurricane Helene relief — a second round of aid that funds critical infrastructure and services in the western mountains, but comes well short of what Gov.