RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — North Carolina marked two years since Hurricane Helene struck the mountains Sunday, with recovery continuing for families, businesses and communities across the region. Governor Josh Stein released a September 27 video message remembering the more than 100 people who died and pledging continued support for rebuilding.

Stein said restoring housing, strengthening infrastructure and helping small businesses remain priorities. He is asking Congress for an additional $10 billion for the next phase of recovery, including $3 billion for housing. That money is a funding request, not a newly approved appropriation.

The governor’s office says the state has appropriated more than $3 billion for Helene recovery. State agencies and volunteer partners have repaired or rebuilt more than 1,250 homes.

A separate September 25 update from the N.C. Department of Commerce provides a closer look at the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program. It reports 159 completed homes, 167 under construction and another 637 in pre-construction. Those figures describe Renew NC’s program; the larger 1,250-home figure includes work with volunteer partners.

Commerce also reports approval of 828 affordable rental units. Those units are planned housing, not 828 completed homes.

The governor’s office says 99 percent of storm-damaged drinking water systems have been fully restored and more than 99 percent of roads closed or affected by Helene have reopened. Reopening does not mean all permanent repairs are finished.

Environmental recovery is continuing as well. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality says more than 1,320 tons of debris have been removed from streams in 16 counties. The agency has also mapped more than 13,000 landslides to help guide planning and future warning efforts.

Stein’s administration is also pursuing a long-term economic recovery plan developed with input from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary and regional organizations. Its priorities include workforce development, transportation connections, tourism, agriculture and support for local leadership.